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A Message from Father Mark
Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 - On Easter Sunday, following the reading by Archbishop Diego Ravelli of Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and the World”) blessing, our Holy Father gave the audience a final blessing. This morning on Easter Monday at 7:35 am, it was announced by the Vatican in Rome that he had died. Our beloved Shepherd has been called home to the Eternal Father following his prolonged illness.Our Holy Father has served as our Shepherd since 2013 and we are saddened to lose a good and faithful servant of God; but rejoice that he is in the embrace of our loving Lord, Jesus Christ.The Church will enter into a period of mourning (Novemdiales) for nine days prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter’s and followed by the opening of the conclave where all members of the College of Cardinals under the age of 80 will gather to pray and discern in the power of the Holy Spirit for a successor to Peter.
We will gather as a parish community to honor the life and death of Pope Francis during the nine days of mourning following the funeral rites and burial in Rome.
→ Watch Mass of Remembrance for Pope Francis (April 30)Pope Francis Prayer CardsComplimentary commemorative prayer cards honoring the life and legacy of Pope Francis are located at all entrances. Remember to pick up this keepsake in remembrance of our shepherd whom is now among our intercessors.I invite you to pray :Father, eternal shepherd,
hear the prayers of your people for your servant, Pope Francis,
who governed your Church with love.
In your mercy, bring him with the flock 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 forever 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 to 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.
May he rejoice in those gifts for ever with your saints.The Archdiocese has created a special webpage dedicated to the Holy Father which includes a statement by Archbishop Gomez and his writings on Pope Francis, videos, images and other resources. The page will be updated in the coming days with information on Masses and other events during the Novendiales, the nine-day period of mourning for a deceased Pope.During this time, the funeral rites are celebrated daily in Rome by the Cardinals and Masses are offered for the repose of his soul throughout the world. You can find the page at www.LACatholics.org/pope-francis.
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