Following the death of Pope Francis

Tuesday 22nd April 2025

As people across our diocese join Catholics around the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican has shared details on how the Church will mark the passing of this much-loved pontiff.

Already, an influx of pilgrims have made their way to the Eternal City to pay their final respects to Pope Francis.

At 8am (BST) on Wednesday morning, the coffin containing Pope Francis’ body was carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful will be able to visit and pay tribute to the body of the pope.

Funeral details announced

The Holy See Press Office has announced that Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place on Saturday 26 April at 9am BST (10am local time) in St Peter’s Square.

Patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests from across the globe will travel to the Vatican to concelebrate the Mass, which will be presided over by Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, marking the beginning of nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.

His body will then be taken into St Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St Mary Major for his entombment.

The Vatican have issued a copy of the funeral booklet. A like can be found here: Pope Francis’ Funeral Booklet

Book of Condolence

An online Book of Condolence has been created for our diocese to enable the faithful to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis.

You can leave your own message by clicking here.

Pray for Pope Francis

As we continue to mourn the death of Pope Francis, we invite you to keep the pope and Mother Church in your prayers. Bishop John invites you to join him for two liturgies taking place this week in memory of the late pontiff:

Mass in Memory of Pope Francis
Bishop John will celebrate Mass in memory of Pope Francis in the north of our diocese this Thursday evening. The Mass will take place at St Mary’s, Bamber Bridge, at 6.30pm on Thursday 24th April. All are welcome to join.

Vespers at Salford Cathedral’s Temporary Church
Bishop John will then lead us for Vespers at Salford Cathedral’s Temporary Church on the eve of Pope Francis’ funeral. Vespers will begin at 6.30pm on Friday 25th April. Please do join us as we pray for the repose of the soul of our pope.

Parishes across the diocese continue to hold their own Masses and services for Pope Francis. Please contact your parish or deanery for local information.

Further information and resources

The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has a number of resources to accompany you during this time. You can keep up-to-date on their news and resources here.

Resources for parishes can be found here.

Information regarding the next steps can be found here.