In a heartfelt tribute to the late Pope Francis, the Catholic Church will engage in a profound observance known as the Novemdiales, which consists of nine consecutive days of mourning. This time-honored tradition is characterized by Masses held in suffrage for the beloved Pope. These sacred Eucharistic celebrations are open to all, inviting the faithful to participate in honoring his memory. Each day will feature a different group of participants, reflecting their unique connection to the Holy Father. This diversity highlights the broad reach of the Supreme Pastor’s ministry and the universal nature of the Church of Rome, as noted in the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (nos. 124–125).
The scheduling of the Masses is organized by the Cardinals present in Rome, who will determine the celebrants during their second General Congregation, which is set to take place on Wednesday evening. This collaborative effort underscores the unity and collective responsibility of the Church in commemorating the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
The first day of the Novemdiales will commence with Pope Francis’ funeral Mass, taking place in St. Peter’s Square at 10:00 AM. Following this solemn occasion, the celebrants for the daily Masses will be as follows, with all times reflecting local time in Rome (GMT +2):
Second Day: Sunday, April 27, at 10:30 AM in St. Peter’s Square. Cardinal Pietro Parolin will preside over the Mass, with attendees comprising the employees and faithful of Vatican City.Third Day: Monday, April 28, at 5:00 PM in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will be led by Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of His Holiness for the Diocese of Rome, with the Church of Rome participating.Fourth Day: Tuesday, April 29, at 5:00 PM in St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter, will preside over the Mass attended by the Chapters of the Papal Basilicas.Fifth Day: Wednesday, April 30, at 5:00 PM in St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals, will lead the Mass with the Papal Chapel group.Sixth Day: Thursday, May 1, at 5:00 PM in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will be presided by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, with the Roman Curia present.Seventh Day: Friday, May 2, at 5:00 PM in St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, will lead the Mass, which will include representatives from the Eastern Churches.Eighth Day: Saturday, May 3, at 5:00 PM in St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Pro-Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, will preside over the Mass attended by members of these Institutes.Ninth Day: Sunday, May 4, at 5:00 PM in St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, will lead the final Mass, which will include the Papal Chapel group. Only Cardinals will be permitted to concelebrate the Masses dedicated to the Papal Chapel on April 30 and May 4.This multi-day observance not only allows the faithful to participate in commemorating Pope Francis but also reinforces the communal ties within the Catholic Church, as they join together in prayer and reflection during this significant period of mourning.
