Who is Pope Francis?
Pope Francis, whose birth name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from March 13, 2013, until his resignation on October 24, 2022. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the first Jesuit and first Latin American Pope in history. Known for his humility, social justice advocacy, and progressive views on various issues, Pope Francis has left a significant impact on the Catholic Church and global perceptions of religion.
What are the Novendiales?
The Novendiales refer to a nine-day period of prayer and liturgical commemoration that takes place following the death of a Pope. This tradition aims to pray for the deceased Pontiff’s soul and accompany the Church during its period of mourning.
Second Day of Novendiales: April 27, 2025
- Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
- Time: 10:30 a.m. (Rome time) / 2:30 a.m. (CDMX time)
- Location: Atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica
- Presider: Cardinal Pietro Parolin, former Secretary of State
- Access: Free; no entry required
Participation in the Concelebration
The Office for Liturgical Celebrations has outlined the following schedules and requirements for those participating as co-concelebrants:
- Cardinals: 9:45 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Sebastian, wearing a white damask mitre.
- Archbishops and Bishops: 9:30 a.m. in the Constantino Braccio, wearing an ammito, subcubicular, cincture, and simple white mitre.
- Priests and Deacons: 9:00 a.m. in the reserved area of St. Peter’s Square, wearing an ammito, subcubicular, cincture, and white stole.
St. Mary Major Basilica: Pope Francis’ Final Resting Place
The Basilica of St. Mary Major, where Pope Francis chose to be inhumated, is one of Rome’s four Papal Basilicas and an ancient Marian temple. Built in the 5th century on Esquilino Hill, it preserves significant Christian relics such as purported fragments of Jesus’ cradle and an ancient Marian icon attributed to St. Luke.
Pope Francis expressed his desire during life not to be buried in St. Peter’s Crypt, as his predecessors from the last century were, but in a small enclosure within this basilica beside the Virgin Mary of Peace sculpture. His marble tomb will bear a single inscription: “Franciscus,” accompanied by a replica of his pectoral cross.
Starting from April 27, faithful can visit the site. The basilica also holds the remains of seven preceding Popes, with the most recent being Pope Clement IX in 1669.
The Novendiales celebrations will continue throughout the week, featuring masses dedicated to various ecclesiastical and social groups in remembrance of the first Latin American Pope and his legacy as a close shepherd and advocate for the most vulnerable.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the Novendiales? The Novendiales are a nine-day period of prayer and liturgical commemoration following the death of a Pope.
- Who was Pope Francis? Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, served as the 266th Pope from March 13, 2013, until his resignation on October 24, 2022. He was the first Jesuit and Latin American Pope in history.
- Where will Pope Francis be buried? Pope Francis chose to be inhumated in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, alongside seven preceding Popes.
