With the news earlier today that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, was called home to God, we wish to share some resources to help you as you lead your communities through these initial days of mourning.  

The following liturgical requirements are advised by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Divine Worship and the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions:

• Upon hearing of the passing of the Pontiff into Eternal Life, the bells of the churches should be tolled 88 times, once for each year of the Pope’s life. 
  • Following the ringing of the church’s bells, those gathered should pray the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and Glory Be and recite a Rosary for the repose of his soul.
  • These prayers, which are familiar to Catholics of nearly all ages, are well-suited to prayer services in our Catholic schools.
• Mass should be offered as soon as possible. Please note that Masses for the Dead are not to be celebrated during the Octave of Easter. For Masses celebrated during the Octave, the name of Pope Francis is to be included in the “Commemoration of the Dead” in Eucharistic Prayers I-III.
  • Insofar as it is possible, Catholic schools are encouraged to celebrate such a Mass with their school communities.
• For the Eucharistic Prayer, the celebrant does not include prayers “for Francis, our Pope” but only the name of our Bishop.The name of Francis is to be included in the “Commemoration of the Dead” in Eucharistic Prayers I-III.
• The Universal Prayer is to include a prayer for the repose of the soul of the Pontiff.
• It is fitting to pray the Office of the Dead upon hearing of the passing of the Pontiff into Eternal Life.
• Churches may place black bunting or a spray of flowers over the main entrance doors.
  • This would be replaced with gold and white bunting upon the election of a new Pontiff.
• A prominent area in the church should be set aside for prayer for the repose of the soul of the Pontiff. This area would include a photo of the late Holy Father, the Pascal Candle, a spray of flowers, a place where the faithful can kneel, a book for writing prayers and intentions, and, if possible, votive candles for lighting.
  • Please note, this area should not compete with the prominence of the Altar, the Ambo, the Tabernacle, or the Presider’s chair.
• Following the death of a Pontiff, the Church observes nine days of mourning. This is typically marked by the Novendiale, or nine days of Masses.
  • In the Archdiocese of Detroit, we will celebrate the Novendiale at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. 

Additional details and resources regarding the death of Pope Francis, the vacant See, and the upcoming Papal Conclave, will be made available at aod.org/popefrancis and shared with you via email.

Should you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].