We are saddened by the passing of the Late Holy Father, Pope Francis, at his Residence at Santa Martha, Vatican City, Rome, at the age of 88 years old.
He came to the throne as successor of St. Peter on March 13, 2013, succeeding the retired Pope Benedict XVI.
The Vatican has confirmed that the funeral of Pope Francis will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 9:30 AM in St. Peter Square, Rome (3:30 AM ET).
His body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica from Tuesday, April 22, 2025, during which time pilgrims will pay their respects.
Pope Francis will be remembered for his attempts to reform the Church through his simplicity, his concern for the poor and marginalised and for rekindling the Chruch’s synodal method in its pastoral and administrative structures. His courageous witness as a Shepherd was remarkable, calling for the Church to be a prime place of God’s mercy for all. We thank God for his sterling contribution to the leadership of the Church.
As an Archdiocese, we pray earnestly for the repose of the soul a good Shepherd. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, all are invited (Clergy, Religious & Faithful) to a Memorial Mass at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Castries, starting at 10:00 AM.
May the angels take him into Paradise, may the Martyrs come to welcome him and take him to the Holy City, the New and eternal Jerusalem. May the choir of angels welcome him, where Lazarus is poor no longer. May he have everlasting rest!
With deep gratitude,
Most Rev. Gabriel Malzaire
Archbishop of Castries