Pope Francis
As the world reacts to the sad news of the death of Pope Francis, we come together in prayer to give thanks for the life of such a special leader.
A ministry of hope
Pope Francis said that his own life story was a journey of hope. He understood that in a world that can feel scary or divided, God’s love and the hope it brings is needed more than ever. In fact, he made hope the theme of this Jubilee year.
His dream was of a Church that “is poor and is for the poor”, and he used his influence to spotlight forgotten crises. Bernard Balibuno, CAFOD’s country representative for Democratic Republic of Congo, said of Pope Francis’ visit to the country in 2023: “The visit of the Holy Father came at a critical time. Pope Francis’ message of Peace and hope has meant so much to my country. Millions turning out to welcome him, of all faiths and none. It is not just the message of peace that has touched our hearts, but also his message of solidarity.”
A Pope of firsts
Pope Francis’s influence on the world – and CAFOD’s work – has been enormous.
He reminded us that the earth is a gift to be cherished and called us to act as stewards of our common home. He drew attention to the suffering of refugees – warning against the Mediterranean being allowed to become ‘a vast cemetery’ – and even as he faced ill health towards the end of his life, he was tireless in calling out governments on the unfair debt crisis facing lower-income countries.
But with all his influence and power, he never lost his ability to be in the world, amongst people. Gaza’s Catholic parish knew, even when facing daily bombardment, they could expect a phone-call every night at 7pm from Pope Francis to check how they were, a routine he started in October 2023 and kept up right until his death.
He tried to make the Church a welcoming place for all people, and he reminded us that only God could rightfully judge people.
And he did everything in a warm, friendly manner, with the trademark humour he became known for. The day he was elected pope – the first non-European pope in over 1,000 years – he greeted crowds at St Peter’s Basilica and joked: “It seems the Cardinals have gone to the end of the world to get you a pope!”
In the end
As the world mourns his passing, Pope Francis’ legacy will be remembered as one that brought the Church closer to its mission of love, mercy and justice. His teachings will continue to inspire Catholics and non-Catholics alike, ensuring that his call for environmental responsibility and a fairer world remains alive for generations to come.
Pope Francis wrote: “In the end we will say only: I don’t recall anything in which You are not there.”
We give thanks for his life, and commend him to God’s mercy and love.
Pope Francis – Requiescat in Pace
Pope Francis has died aged 88, the Vatican Press Office has confirmed. He served as the 265th successor of St Peter from his election on 13 March 2013 to 21 April 2025.
At 9:45am, Rome time, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and Archbishop of Westminster, said:
“The death of Pope Francis brings great sadness to so many around the world, both within the Catholic Church and in societies in general. A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent. The legacy he leaves is one we must seek to carry forward and strengthen.
“Pope Francis was called to priesthood through his experience of the mercy and compassion of God. This remained the core of his ministry, as Priest, Bishop and Pontiff. Only in understanding the love and mercy of God towards each one of us can we fashion societies and communities that bear the mark of the ‘kingdom of God’.
“This same focus and emphasis lay at this desire to see membership of the Church as being rooted in ‘missionary discipleship’, a dynamic and powerful vision for every Christian and every community.
“Now we pray for the repose of his soul, that he may know, in full measure, the merciful and loving embrace of the Father, of the one God to whom he gave his life in unstinting service.
“May he now rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Prayer card and liturgical resources to help parishes to pray for Pope Francis.
Liturgical resources
Here are two useful PDF downloads from the Liturgy Office to offer some guidance for local liturgies. One offers general guidance, the other suggestions for devotional prayers.
Prayer card
You can download this PDF of the prayer card that has been distributed to the parishes of England and Wales.
Posters
Prayers
These prayers are suggested for use upon the death of Pope Francis.
Prayer for Francis
O God, faithful rewarder of souls,
grant that your departed servant Pope Francis,
whom you made successor of Peter
and shepherd of your Church,
may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven
the mysteries of your grace and compassion,
which he faithfully ministered on earth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Amen.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Amen.
Psalm 120
I lift up my eyes to the mountains:
from where shall come my help?
My help shall come from the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
May he never allow you to stumble!
Let him sleep not your guard.
No, he sleeps not nor slumbers,
Israel’s guard.
The Lord is your guard and your shade;
at your right side he stands.
By day the sun shall not smite you
nor the moon in the night.
The Lord will guard you from evil,
he will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming
both now and for ever.
Canticle of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis)
Luke 2:29-32
At last, all-powerful Master,
you give leave to your servant
to go in peace, according to your promise.
For my eyes have seen your salvation
which you have prepared for all nations,
the light to enlighten the Gentiles
and give glory to Israel, your people.
Prayers for the successor of Pope Francis
O God, who chose your servant,
in succession to the Apostle Peter
as shepherd of the whole flock,
look favourably on the supplications of your people
and grant that, as Vicar of Christ on earth,
he may confirm his brethren
and that the whole Church may be in communion with him
in the bond of unity, love and peace,
so that in you, the shepherd of souls,
all may know the truth and attain life eternal.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
