liturgical and devotional practices
Archbishop Casey asks that all the faithful pray for Pope Francis.
The custom of praying the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be is encouraged, especially with children.
The deceased Pope may be prayed for in the recitation of the Rosary.
Upon the death of Pope Francis, he is not named in the Eucharistic Prayer.
- In Eucharistic Prayer I and III, delete the words, “your servant Francis, our Pope and”
- In Eucharistic Prayer II, delete the words, “Francis, our Pope and”
- In Eucharistic Prayer IV, delete the words “your servant Francis, our Pope”
- In EP MVNO-I, “…Strengthen the bond of unity between the pastors of your people, together with Robert, our Bishop, and the whole Order of Bishops…”
Archbishop Casey will celebrate Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis in the coming days; more details will be forthcoming soon.
At the direction of the College of Cardinals, the novendiales (“nine days”) are customarily observed as official days of mourning in Rome and throughout the Church. These may be observed in different ways in the various Particular Churches.
A novena is available online.
In addition to the celebration of Masses for the Dead, all are encouraged to participate in the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic adoration and other devotional prayer, lectures on the teaching and legacy of the Pope, activities for the relief of the poor offered for the intention of his soul, or other such initiatives.
At Mass, the naming of the deceased Pope may be done during the intercession for the dead in the Eucharistic Prayers. It may be fitting to include the Pope’s name from his death through the novendiales:
Eucharistic Prayer I (The Roman Canon)
Remember also, Lord, your servant Francis our Pope,
who has gone before us with the sign of faith
and rests in the sleep of peace.
Grant him, O Lord, we pray,
and all who sleep in Christ,
a place of refreshment, light and peace.
Eucharistic Prayer II
Remember your servant Francis our Pope,
whom you have called (today)
from this world to yourself.
Grant that he who was united with your Son in a death like his,
may also be one with him in his Resurrection.
Remember also our brothers and sisters…
Eucharistic Prayer III
Remember your servant Francis our Pope
whom you have called (today)
from this world to yourself.
Grant that he who was united with your Son in a death like his,
may also be one with him in his Resurrection,
when from the earth
he will raise up in the flesh those who have died,
and transform our lowly body
after the pattern of his own glorious body.
To our departed brothers and sisters, too,
and to all who were pleasing to you
at their passing from this life,
give kind admittance to your kingdom.
There we hope to enjoy for ever the fullness of your glory,
when you will wipe away every tear from our eyes.
For seeing you, our God, as you are,
we shall be like you for all the ages
and praise you without end,
through Christ our Lord,
through whom you bestow on the world all that is good.
Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs I-IV
Remember your servant Francis our Pope,
who has fallen asleep in the peace of your Christ,
and all the dead, whose faith alone you have known.
Admit them to rejoice in the light of your face,
and in the resurrection give them the fullness of life.
During the Octave of Easter, no Mass for the Dead except a Funeral Mass may be celebrated. Each Family of Parishes is asked to offer Mass for the deceased Pope using the prayers from the Roman Missal “Masses for the Dead, Various Prayers for the Dead, #1, For a Pope.” as soon as Monday, April 28th.
Until then, a sample set of intentions for the Universal Prayer is available. An intention for the deceased Pontiff may be included in the Universal Prayer at any upcoming Mass, from the sample set.
In the church sanctuary or other appropriate place, a fitting picture of the deceased Pope might be discreetly displayed, accompanied by a bouquet of flowers and a votive candle. (The paschal candle is already in the sanctuary.)
Black bunting may be hung around the main exterior doors of church buildings. This should be removed after the Pope’s funeral.
Church bells may be tolled immediately upon the news of the Pope’s death, at the hour of the Funeral Mass in Rome, and at other appropriate times.
With questions or concerns, please contact the Office for Divine Worship & Sacraments.
Supplemental resources from the USCCB in English and Spanish
Upon This Rock: A Comprehensive Guide to the Liturgical Directives, Protocols, and Practices upon the Death of the Pope from the FDLC
A Prayer for Pope Francis
Taken from the Order of Christian Funerals
O God,
from whom the just receive an unfailing reward,
grant that your servant Francis, our Pope,
whom you made vicar of Peter
and shepherd of your Church,
may rejoice forever in the vision of your glory,
for he was a faithful steward here on earth
of the mysteries of your forgiveness and grace.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
