The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis has died, aged 88.

A statement from the Holy See confirmed that the pope died yesterday at 7.35am at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

As we join people throughout in the world in mourning the death of the Pope, who has served as Supreme Pontiff for the past 12 years.

Bishop John invites us to join him in offering the following prayer:

God, who in your ineffable providence, willed that thy servant, Francis, should be numbered among the high priests, grant, we pray, that he, who on earth held the place of your only-begotten Son, may be joined forevermore to the fellowship of your holy pontiffs.

Through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

Amen.

Funeral Details

Yesterday morning, the Holy See Press Office announced that Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place on Saturday 26 April at 9am BST (10am local time) in St Peter’s Square.

Patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests from across the globe will travel to the Vatican to concelebrate the Mass, which will be presided over by Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, marking the beginning of nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.

His body will be then taken into St Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St Mary Major for his entombment.

Further Information

The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has a number of resources to accompany you during this time. You can keep up-to-date on their news and resources here.

Resources for parishes can be found here.

Information regarding the next steps can be found here.

To learn more about the upcoming Vespers please email – cathedral@dioceseofsalford.org.uk