Remembering Pope Francis
On Easter Monday, we received the news that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, passed away. As we enter more deeply into the Easter season, during this Jubilee year of Hope, we rest in the promise of the resurrection and pray that Pope Francis will share in the eternal joys of heaven.
We join the faithful all around the world in praying for the soul of Pope Francis and for the Church.
Click here to read Bishop Burbidge’s statement.
Urbi et Orbi
Pope Francis’ final Easter blessing
“The resurrection of Jesus is indeed the basis of our hope. For in the light of this event, hope is no longer an illusion. Thanks to Christ — crucified and risen from the dead — hope does not disappoint! Spes non confundit! (cf. Rom 5:5). That hope is not an evasion, but a challenge; it does not delude, but empowers us.
All those who put their hope in God place their feeble hands in his strong and mighty hand; they let themselves be raised up and set out on a journey. Together with the risen Jesus, they become pilgrims of hope, witnesses of the victory of love and of the disarmed power of Life.”
Click here to read the full text of Pope Francis’ Easter message.
Funeral Schedule for Pope Francis
Wednesday, April 23: Pope Francis’ body will be moved into St. Peter’s Basilica. Public viewing will continue until Friday, April 25.
Saturday, April 26: Funeral Mass for Pope Francis at 10am (Rome time) in St. Peter’s square.
Following the funeral, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major as he requested.
The funeral Mass will be the first Mass in a novena (Novendiales) offered for the soul of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica.