Who is Pope Francis and Why are the Novendiales Important?
Pope Francis, whose full name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church since 2013. Known for his progressive views and humility, he has left a significant impact on the Church and the world. Following his passing, the Catholic Church initiates an ancient tradition known as the Novendiales, a nine-day period of prayer and remembrance for the late Pope. This article outlines the schedule, locations, and significance of these commemorative services.
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.
Novendiales Schedule and Times for Pope Francis
The majority of the masses will take place in the Basilica of St. Peter, with some held at the basilica’s atrium and others inside the temple, and in certain cases, only with the presence of cardinals.
Day 1 – Requiem Mass
- Saturday, April 26
- 10:00 AM (Rome time) / 2:00 PM (Mexico City time)
- Atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica
- Open to the public, marking the official start of the Novendiales.
Day 2 – Vatican City
- Sunday, April 27
- 10:30 AM (Rome time) / 2:30 PM (Mexico City time)
- Atrium of the Basilica
- Presided by Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Day 3 – Rome’s Churches
- Monday, April 28
- 5:00 PM (Rome time) / 11:00 AM (Mexico City time)
- Inside the Vatican Basilica
- Presided by Cardinal Baldassare Reina.
Day 4 – Pontifical Basilicas’ Chapters
- Tuesday, April 29
- 5:00 PM (Rome time) / 11:00 AM (Mexico City time)
- Presided by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti.
Day 5 – Papal Chapel (Cardinals only)
- Wednesday, April 30
- 4:15 PM (Rome time) / 10:15 AM (Mexico City time)
- St. Sebastian’s Chapel
- Presided by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri; a private mass reserved for cardinals wearing white mitres.
Day 6 – Roman Curia
- Thursday, May 1
- 5:00 PM (Rome time) / 11:00 AM (Mexico City time)
- Presided by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
Day 7 – Eastern Churches
- Friday, May 2
- 5:00 PM (Rome time) / 11:00 AM (Mexico City time)
- Presided by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti.
Day 8 – Consecrated Life and Apostolic Societies
- Saturday, May 3
- 5:00 PM (Rome time) / 11:00 AM (Mexico City time)
- Presided by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime.
Day 9 – Papal Chapel (Cardinals only)
- Sunday, May 4
- 4:15 PM (Rome time) / 10:15 AM (Mexico City time)
- St. Sebastian’s Chapel
- Presided by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti; a private mass exclusive to cardinals.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the Novendiales? The Novendiales are nine-day liturgical celebrations held after the death of a Pope, honoring his memory and ministry.
- Where do the masses take place? The majority of the masses are held in St. Peter’s Basilica, either at the atrium or inside the temple.
- Who presides over each mass? Various cardinals, including Pietro Parolin, Baldassare Reina, Mauro Gambetti, Kevin Farrell, Claudio Gugerotti, Ángel Fernández Artime, and Dominique Mamberti, preside over the masses throughout the nine days.
- Are the masses open to the public? Yes, most of the masses are open to the public, such as the Requiem Mass on Day 1.
- Are there any private masses? Yes, on Day 5 and Day 9, there are private masses reserved exclusively for cardinals.
