Pope Francis

People gather around the body of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican April 23, 2025, on the first of three days of public viewing and prayer ahead of the pope’s funeral Mass April 26. Members of the Swiss Guard stand beside the open casket. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. He was 88 years old.

Novena in Memory of Pope Francis

The entire Church mourns the death of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. In cathedrals, basilicas, parish churches, shrines, and chapels the Holy Eucharist will be offered for the repose of his soul. Communities and individuals will ask God to bestow his infinite mercy on the man who served the Church as Bishop of Rome.

The novemdiales period of mourning takes place from April 26 to May 4, 2025.

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Conclave updates

• ​Conclave to elect next pope will begin May 7
  Cardinals set May 7 for start of the conclave amidst discussions on challenges facing the church and qualities needed in next pope.​
• How the conclave works: It's guided by a rule book and a prayer book
  The conclave to elect a new pope, scheduled to begin May 7, is governed by two texts: a rule book and a prayer book.
• Where (and when!) to watch for white smoke
  The conclave is set to begin May 7, but the public only knows its end by iconic white smoke billowing out of the Sistine Chapel's chimney.
• On electing a pope: 10 frequently asked questions answered
  Here are 10 things to know about the upcoming conclave.

Remembering Pope Francis

• Pope spent pontificate going to peripheries; at funeral, they came to him
  Representatives from more than 160 nations gathered for Pope Francis' funeral in St. Peter's Square. Kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, government officials and ambassadors flanked the casket of a pope who called on everyone to build bridges and not walls.
• ​As pope's casket is sealed, he is remembered for simplicity, humility
  After an estimated 250,000 people had viewed the body of Pope Francis, lying in an open casket in front of the main altar in St. Peter's Basilica, the casket was sealed in a private ceremony.​
• ​Novemdiales: Cardinals set schedule for nine days of mourning
  ​Pope Francis' funeral Mass will mark the beginning of an ancient tradition of holding nine consecutive days of mourning, which includes Eucharistic celebrations for the late Pope.​
• Global pastor: In word and deed, Pope Francis preached mercy, outreach
  Pope Francis, gave new energy to millions of Catholics -- and caused concern for some -- as he transformed the image of the papacy into a pastoral ministry based on personal encounters and strong convictions about poverty, mission and dialogue.
• Precise rules govern what happens in period between popes
  Centuries of experience dealing with the death, or occasional resignation, of a pope has left the Catholic Church with thorough instructions detailing who has responsibility for planning the funeral, preparing for the election of a new pope and taking care of essential business in the meantime.
• Cardinals mourn pope as Vatican meetings begin ahead of conclave
  As they entered the Vatican to participate in meetings leading up to the election of the next pope, several cardinals emphasized that they are still mourning the Argentine pontiff -- not yet choosing his successor.
• U.S. cardinal with Dallas history to play key role until a new pope is elected
  With the death of Pope Francis April 21, the practical aspects of overseeing the day-to-day needs of the church and organizing a papal election fall to a U.S. cardinal, one with a connection to Texas.
• Vatican postpones canonization of Blessed Acutis
  With the death of Pope Francis, the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, which was scheduled for April 27, has been postponed.
• Archbishop Vásquez, Cardinal DiNardo laud late pope's life and legacy
  Easter Monday Mass offered for Pope Francis

Photo Galleries

• ​Poor, powerful pray for late pope at funeral Mass​
• A closer look at the tomb of Pope Francis
• Prayer, pilgrims accompany pope's body to basilica
• Get to know Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major, where Pope Francis will be laid to rest

Vatican Livestream - English

Video - Remembering Pope Francis