Following the sad news of our Holy Father Pope Francis’ death in the Casa Santa Marta, there will be a Requiem Mass at all scheduled Masses, for three days, and the Cathedral will remain open until 8pm for the three nights. For the remainder of the nine days of mourning, one Requiem Mass a day will be celebrated:
| Day 4 – Thu 24/4: | Requiem 10.30am (English), Cathedral closes approx 6.30pm |
| Day 5 – Fri 25/4: | Requiem 12.30pm (livestreamed), Cathedral closes approx 6.30pm |
| Day 6 – Sat 26/4: | Requiem 8am, 10.30am Mass cancelled (Pope’s funeral 9am) |
| Day 7 – Sun 27/4: | Requiem 12 noon (Choir, livestreamed) |
| Day 8 – Mon 28/4: | Requiem 8am |
| Day 9 – Tue 29/4: | Requiem 5.30pm |
For those wishing to sign, books of condolence have been placed in the Holy Souls Chapel and will remain there for the nine days of mourning.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols:
‘The death of Pope Francis brings great sadness to so many around the world, both within the Catholic Church and in societies in general. A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent. The legacy he leaves is one we must seek to carry forward and strengthen.
‘Pope Francis was called to priesthood through his experience of the mercy and compassion of God. This remained the core of his ministry, as Priest, Bishop and Pontiff. Only in understanding the love and mercy of God towards each one of us can we fashion societies and communities that bear the mark of the “kingdom of God”.
‘This same focus and emphasis lay at this desire to see membership of the Church as being rooted in ‘missionary discipleship’, a dynamic and powerful vision for every Christian and every community.
‘Now we pray for the repose of his soul, that he may know, in full measure, the merciful and loving embrace of the Father, of the one God to whom he gave his life in unstinting service.
‘May he now rest in peace and rise in glory.’
