The cardinals have set the funeral for Pope Francis for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
At St. Josaphat, we will pray a novena for the late Holy Father, beginning Thursday, April 24, and continuing until Friday, May 2. For nine consecutive nights, we will gather at 7:00 p.m. in the church to reflect on Francis’ ministry and to pray the Rosary together. We will be led in prayer by the clergy of the parish. You are welcome to come to every night of the novena, or to as much of it as you are able. Should you be unable to attend, the format is attached.
Pope Francis nurtured a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother, frequently visiting the Church of St. Mary Major and requesting that his tomb be located there - the first pope to do so since Clement IX in the 17th century. He saw his mission as profoundly influenced by the worldly and heavenly witness of Mary, the Mother of God.
Click here for the Cardinal's message about the passing of Pope Francis