Background on Pope Francis and His Impact
Pope Francis, whose full name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from March 13, 2013, until his passing on September 6, 2023. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was known for his progressive views and commitment to social justice. As the first Latin American Pope, he brought a fresh perspective to the papacy and was admired for his humility and dedication to serving the less fortunate.
Mourning Period and Key Events
In accordance with Catholic tradition, the Vatican has declared nine consecutive days of mourning for Pope Francis, beginning this Saturday. The period will be marked by solemn masses held in the Basilica of St. Peter until May 4.
Schedule of Events
- Saturday: Pope Francis’ funeral will take place at 10:00 AM (local time) in the Basilica of St. Peter.
- Sunday, 10:30 AM: Secretary of State Pietro Parolin will preside over a concelebration on the steps of the Basilica, attended by employees and faithful.
- Monday, 5:00 PM: Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, Baldassare Reina, will lead a mass at the Church of Rome.
- Tuesday, 5:00 PM: Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, Mauro Gambetti, will conduct a ceremony attended by the Chapter of the Papal Basilicas.
- Wednesday, 5:00 PM: Vice-dean of the College of Cardinals, Leonardo Sandri, will preside over a mass in the Papal Chapel.
- Thursday, 5:00 PM: Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell will lead a mass alongside the Curia.
- Friday, 5:00 PM: Prefect of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches, Claudio Gugerotti, will conduct a ceremony.
- Saturday: Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime will preside over a mass with members of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
Final Memorial Mass
The final memorial mass during the mourning period will be held on Sunday, May 4, at 5:00 PM in the Papal Chapel. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti will officiate the service.
Post-Mourning Period
Following the nine days of mourning, a conclave of cardinals will convene to elect Pope Francis’ successor. This process must be completed within 20 days of his passing, in accordance with established Catholic Church procedures.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Pope Francis? Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from March 13, 2013, until his death on September 6, 2023. He was the first Latin American Pope and known for his progressive views and commitment to social justice.
- What is the significance of the nine days of mourning? This period, rooted in Catholic tradition, honors Pope Francis through solemn masses held in the Basilica of St. Peter until May 4.
- What happens after the nine days of mourning? A conclave of cardinals will gather to elect Pope Francis’ successor, with the selection process needing to be completed within 20 days of his passing.
