Pope FRANCIS RIP

Miserando atque Eligendo -  In the name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.

As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.

Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest - awaiting the day of the Resurrection - in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.

I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica.

The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.

The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. 

I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.

May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. 

The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.

Santa Marta, 29 June 2022
FRANCIS

BISHOP PATRICK MCKINNEY - "I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. The Pope has left an indelible mark on the Church and the world, as a man of great warmth and humility, who made use of his global prestige to highlight, and to listen to, the concerns of the poorest and most marginalised people, across the world. The loss of the Holy Father will be deeply felt in all of our Diocesan communities and well beyond, but I believe his legacy will live on” 

Pope Francis sought to reform the Catholic Church at every level, from its decision-making processes, to rooting out financial corruption in the Vatican Curia. 

“Todos, Todos, Todos,” “Everyone, Everyone, Everyone,” he encouraged young people to chant at World Youth Day in Lisbon in 2023. "That is the Church,” he said. “There is room for all". 

We pray for the Church during this time of sede vacante

We pray, almighty God, that your Church may always remain that holy people, formed as one by the unity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, which manifests to the world that Sacrament of your holiness and unity, and leads it to the perfection of your charity. Grant to your Church, we pray, a new Holy Father, filled with your Holy Spirit, even as we mourn the passing of Pope Francis; that your Church may continue steadfast in faith in confessing your name to the world. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.