Death of Pope Francis

Pope Francis died on Monday 21 April. Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Farrell said in the announcement. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Triune.″

Canon Paul Cummins
Soon after hearing the news, Canon Paul Cummins was interviewed on BBC Radio Devon: “It is a sad time for all of us. We knew that the pope had been ill for quite a long period of time, but obviously when you get news of someone’s death it’s a blow. There is a sadness at the loss of someone so significant to the Church and the world, but also a hope and a sense of completion and joy, at God willing, his rising to eternal life”

Link to full interview (10 minutes into the programme)

An Obituary

Young people from the Diocese of Plymouth came close to Pope Francis at the World Youth Day in Lisbon in 2023. Here are some of their reflections

Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface
On the day of Pope Francis’s death, a Requiem Mass was offered in the Cathedral for the repose of his soul. For another eight consecutive days, the Cathedral celebrates a Requiem Mass (Mass for the Dead) at 10 a.m. for the Holy Father. The Cathedral and parish churches are spaces where people may wish to gather, to light a candle and pray.

More Details about the Process Following the Death of a Pope and how a new Pope is elected as Bishop of Rome and successor of St Peter

Prayers for Francis
O God, faithful rewarder of souls,
grant that your departed servant Pope Francis,
whom you made successor of Peter
and shepherd of your Church,
may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven
the mysteries of your grace and compassion,
which he faithfully ministered on earth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Amen.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Amen.

Photo: Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk