At 7:35 a.m. (Central European Summer Time) on Easter Monday, April 21, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta:
Click here to read the announcement.
“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 favor of the poorest and most marginalized. 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.”
Bishop Walkowiak released a statement following the news of the Pope’s death:
Click here to read the full statement.
“We are saddened by the death of our Holy Father, yet it is fitting that his passing from this life occurred in the Jubilee Year of Hope, which he inaugurated. For our hope in eternal life springs from our faith in the risen Lord…
Pope Francis sought to break down barriers and draw people into an encounter with Christ in the Catholic Church. Like Jesus, he served those whom the world often considered outcasts. He challenged priests to be shepherds with the ‘smell of the sheep,’ and constantly reminded us of the dignity of the unborn, migrants and refugees, and prisoners. He was a man of action, ministering to the homeless in Rome, visiting refugee camps, and washing the feet of prisoners. His pastoral heart, use of relatable language, and witness to serving people on the margins stand as an example for all people.
It is a privilege to be among the first bishops appointed by Pope Francis during his pontificate. His leadership and witness have shaped my episcopal priorities and ministry over these past 11 years.
May Pope Francis now rest in eternal peace. Please join me in praying for the repose of his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.“
Honoring Pope Francis in Prayer
With hearts full of sorrow and gratitude, we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, our beloved Holy Father, who led the Church with humility, compassion, and unwavering faith. His life of service inspired countless souls around the world, and we now unite in prayer for the repose of his soul and the future of the Church he so faithfully shepherded.
You may notice black bunting on the interior doors entering the church. This is a traditional symbol of mourning and remembrance for the late Pope Francis.
In the days ahead, our parish will gather in special ways to honor Pope Francis through prayer and reflection. We warmly invite—and strongly encourage—everyone in our parish community to join us.
Daily rosaries
Our parish will be praying the rosary on Monday through Saturday, beginning on April 23 and through the nine official days of mourning after the Pope’s funeral:
- Wednesday, April 23, at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel
- Thursday, April 24, at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel
- Friday, April 25, immediately following the 8:30 a.m. Mass in the church
- Saturday, April 26, at 3:45 p.m. in the church
- Monday, April 28, immediately following the 8:30 a.m. communion service in the chapel
- Tuesday, April 29, immediately following the 8:30 a.m. communion service in the chapel
- Wednesday, April 30, immediately following the 8:30 a.m. communion service in the chapel
- Thursday, May 1, immediately following the 8:30 a.m. communion service in the chapel
- Friday, May 2, immediately following the 8:30 a.m. Mass in the church
- Saturday, May 3, at 3:45 p.m. in the church
Mass for the Dead
A Mass for the Dead for Pope Francis will be offered on Monday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the church. We encourage you to join us for this special Mass.
Novena
A novena, prepared by the USCCB, will be emailed daily to parishioners and posted on our parish’s social media channels. Lasting for the novendiales period from April 26 to May 4, the novena will consist of a short reading from Scripture or some other ecclesiastical text and some brief prayers.
Pope Francis’ funeral
Pope Francis’ funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. CEST (4 a.m. here in Michigan). All events from St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican, as well as the Holy Father’s funeral Mass will be carried in real time on EWTN’s television channels, live on YouTube, and through its on-demand app and digital platforms. Mass at St. Anthony on Saturday, April 26, at 4:30 p.m. will be offered for Pope Francis, the same day as his funeral.
Additional resources
- Pope Francis in Memoriam (USCCB)
- The life and papacy of Pope Francis (Diocese of Grand Rapids)