Who is Pope Francis?
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936, is the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He was elected on March 13, 2013, succeeding Benedict XVI. Known for his humility and commitment to social justice, Pope Francis has been a transformative figure in the Catholic Church. His passing has initiated an ancient tradition known as the Novendiales.
What are the Novendiales?
The Novendiales are liturgical celebrations that follow the death of a Pope. Over nine days, various communities within the Church gather to celebrate the Eucharist in memory of the late Pontiff, showcasing the universality of the Church and the reach of his ministry.
Historical Significance
This tradition dates back to the early Church, where nine days of prayer and reflection were observed following the death of a bishop or prominent Christian leader. The Novendiales for Pope Francis will be a poignant demonstration of the global Catholic community’s solidarity and reverence.
Novendiales Schedule for Pope Francis
The majority of the masses will take place in the Basilica of St. Peter, with some in the atrium and others inside the temple, and occasionally only with the presence of cardinals.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 – Misa Exequial
- Saturday, April 26
- 10:00 AM (Rome time) / 2:00 PM (Mexico City time)
- Atrio de la Basílica de San Pedro
- Publicly accessible ceremony, marking the official start of the Novendiales.
- Day 2 – Ciudad del Vaticano
- Sunday, April 27
- 10:30 AM (Rome time) / 2:30 PM (Mexico City time)
- Atrio de la basílica
- Presided by Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
- Day 3 – Iglesia de Roma
- Monday, April 28
- 5:00 PM (Rome time) / 11:00 AM (Mexico City time)
- Interior of the Vatican Basilica
- Presided by Cardinal Baldassare Reina.
- Day 4 – Capítulos de las Basílicas Pontificias
- Tuesday, April 29
- 5:00 PM (Rome time) / 11:00 AM (Mexico City time)
- Presided by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti.
- Day 5 – Capilla Papal (only cardinals)
- Wednesday, April 30
- 4:15 PM (Rome time) / 10:15 AM (Mexico City time)
- Capilla de San Sebastián
- Presided by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri; a private mass reserved for cardinals wearing white mitres.
- Day 6 – Curia Romana
- Thursday, May 1
- 5:00 PM (Rome time) / 11:00 AM (Mexico City time)
- Presided by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
- Day 7 – Iglesias Orientales
- Friday, May 2
- 5:00 PM (Rome time) / 11:00 AM (Mexico City time)
- Presided by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti.
- Day 8 – Vida Consagrada y Sociedades Apostólicas
- Saturday, May 3
- 5:00 PM (Rome time) / 11:00 AM (Mexico City time)
- Presided by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime.
- Day 9 – Capilla Papal (only cardinals)
- Sunday, May 4
- 4:15 PM (Rome time) / 10:15 AM (Mexico City time)
- Capilla de San Sebastián
- Presided by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti; a private mass exclusive to cardinals.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of the Novendiales? The Novendiales are a series of nine-day liturgical celebrations following the death of a Pope, symbolizing the global Catholic community’s unity and respect.
- Who presides over each day’s mass? Different cardinals preside over each day’s mass, representing various aspects of the Church and its diverse communities.
- Are these masses open to the public? Most of the masses are publicly accessible, while some, like those on Day 5 and Day 9, are reserved for cardinals only.
