1936-2025
On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away after leading the Church for the past 12 years.
We entrust to You the soul of You servant, Pope Francis, who dedicated his life to serving you and guiding Your Church,
Grant him eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rejoice in Your presence, reunited with the saints and all who have gone before us in faith.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As the universal Church comes together to observe the Easter Octave, we mourn the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. His leadership has been a guiding light, calling us to deeper faith, greater compassion, and unwavering trust in God’s mercy.
Masses and Prayer Services for Pope Francis
Parishes across the diocese are having special Masses and prayer services for Pope Francis in the coming days, to pray for the repose of the soul of the Holy Father. You can join us for Mass on April 25, 2025, at noon at St. Stephen Cathedral, presided at by Bishop William F. Medley and concelebrated by many priests from around our diocese.
“Death is not the end. Death is a door that opens to eternity. And this door is open for all of us, if we approach it with trust in God’s mercy.”
-Pope Francis
Papal Funeral
Beginning at 10 a.m. local time in Rome, or 4 a.m. EDT (3 a.m. CDT) in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the Mass. Bishops, cardinals and priests from around the world will concelebrate. Watch the live stream below.
Novena in Memory of the Holy Father
Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will mark the beginning of an ancient tradition of holding nine consecutive days of mourning. The United States Catholic Bishops have prepared a Novena in Memory of the Pope during the time of mourning. The daily novena – lasting for the novendiales period from April 26 to May 4, 2025 – consists of a short reading from Scripture or some other ecclesiastical text and some brief prayers, including orations drawn from the Roman Missal and the Order of Christian Funerals.
Read More
– Tribute Page collecting statements on the Death of Pope Francis
– What happens after the Pope dies? (Vatican News)