Remembering His Legacy and Praying for the Church's Future
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. The Holy Father departed this life peacefully on Monday in the Octave of Easter, anno domini 2025, at the age of 88, after an extended battle with double pneumonia. We invite you to join us in prayer for his eternal repose.
A Brief Biography of Pope Francis
Left: as a seminarian c. 1950's; Middle: Cardinal Jorge M. Bergoglio SJ in 2008; Right: Pope Francis in 2024
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope to take the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi.
He entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1958, was ordained a priest in 1969, took his final vows in the Jesuit order in 1973, and served as superior of the Jesuit province of Argentina from 1973 until 1979. In 1992 he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires, and in 1998 was appointed archbishop of the same. He was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II, and became the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, in the conclave following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
Funeral Arrangements
Procession with the body of the late Pope Francis, April 23, 2025. Public Domain.
The earthly remains of the Holy Father currently lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for public veneration. His funeral will take place on April 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, followed by his burial at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a church he visited frequently during his papacy in devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The papal funeral Mass will follow the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, which was updated at Francis’ request in 2024. It will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, and will be attended by world leaders, dignitaries, and the faithful from around the globe.
The funeral Mass will be broadcast worldwide, allowing Catholics everywhere to join in prayer and remembrance. The funeral is the first in nine days of Masses offered for the repose of his soul, known as the Novendiales.
Mass Intentions for the Repose of His Soul
In honor of Pope Francis, all Mass intentions during the Novendiales at St. Ann's Parish will be offered for the repose of Francis' soul. We encourage all parishioners to participate in these Masses and join us in prayerful remembrance of a leader and servant of God.
Upcoming Conclave
With the passing of Pope Francis, preparations for the next conclave are underway to elect a new pope. During this time of transition, we ask for your prayers for the College of Cardinals, that they may be guided by the Holy Spirit in choosing a shepherd who will continue to lead the Church with wisdom and grace.
Prayers for the Election of the Next Supreme Pontiff
“Lord Jesus Christ, by entrusting to St. Peter and his successors the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, Thou didst establish the office of the papacy. Grant to Thy Church, we beseech Thee, a Pope who, in his dedication to the Sacred Tradition of the Church, will seek to govern the Church according to the Deposit of Faith and for the salvation of souls.
Immaculate Mary, Mother of the Church and Queen of Confessors, we consecrate to thee the conclave and the election of the Holy Father. Blessed Mother, look not upon our sinfulness or upon the infidelity of many Catholics who do not accept the teaching of thy Son, but upon the Church which is the spotless Bride of thy Son, so that we do not get the leader we deserve, but a Holy Father who will guide the Church for the glory and honor of thy Son.
Amen.”