Pope Francis Requiescat in pace
At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires was elected to the See of Peter on 13th March 2013 becoming the 265th Successor of the Apostle Peter, Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pastor of the Universal Church taking the name ‘Francis’ in honour of the Saint of Assisi.
Bishop Mark Davies writes:
“Everyone who met Pope Francis during these past twelve years will remember his urgent request “Please, pray for me.” As we accompanied Pope Francis with our prayers during his service of the Church as the Successor of the Apostle Peter, so in the hour of death, it is our first duty to pray for the soul of the man who so became a holy father for us all.”
The funeral mass of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26 at 10 o’clock in St. Peter’s Square. The burial of the Bishop of Rome will follow.
Bishop Mark Pastoral Letter on the Death of Pope Francis
Pope Francis Obituary
Prayer for the soul of Pope Francis
Father, eternal shepherd,
hear the prayers of your people for your servant Francis,
who governed your Church with love.
In your mercy, bring him with the flock once entrusted to his care
to the reward you have promised your faithful servants.
May he who faithfully administered the mysteries
of your forgiveness and love on earth,
rejoice with you for ever in heaven
In your wise and loving care,
you made your servant teacher of all your Church.
He did the work of Christ on earth.
May your Son welcome him into eternal glory.
May your servant whom you appointed high priest of your flock
be counted now among the priests in the life of your kingdom.
Give your servant the reward of eternal happiness
and let your mercy win for us the gift of your life and love.
We entrust your servant to your mercy with faith and confidence.
In the human family he was an instrument of your peace and love.
We entrust your servant to your mercy with faith and confidence.
In the human family he was an instrument of your peace and love.
May he rejoice in those gifts for ever with your saints.
Through Christ our Lord,
Amen