Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis

The Friars join the parishioners of Sacred Heart in mourning the death of Pope Francis, whose leadership of our Church was well and truly influenced by the father of the Franciscan Order, St. Francis of Assisi, and the guiding values of service to the poor and marginalized, affirmation of the unique worth of each person, and the reverence for all creation.

Despite the scheduled Easter Monday (April 21, 2025) closure of the parish, the Friars invited all able to join them for a Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis at 12:10 p.m. in the church. Nearly 150 attended, what would have been the first opportunity for many Catholics in our area to pray for Pope Francis following his passing.


Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him,
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.


Funeral Mass Coverage | In collaboration with EWTN, Spirit FM 90.5 will simulcast the Funeral Mass of Pope Francis live from St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 4 a.m. Eastern (10 a.m. Rome time). Join in prayerful remembrance as we come together as one Church to honor the life and legacy of the Holy Father, and pray for the repose of his soul. Click here to watch or listen.


What Happens Now? | The Cardinals present in Rome have set the start date for the upcoming Conclave for Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The date was set on Monday, April 28, 2025, by the approximately 180 cardinals present (just over a hundred of whom are electors) gathered for the fifth General Congregation in the Vatican. The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, which will remain closed to visitors during those days, with all active Cardinals under the age of 80 eligible to vote. Learn more about the papal election process via Vatican News here.


The Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe extend global condolences for Pope Francis. Below is the statement from Br. Lawrence J. Hayes, OFM, Provincial Minister for the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who shares his words and a memorable quote from Pope Francis:


The Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg opened today on Monday, April 21, 2025, for the faithful to gather to pray for the eternal rest of Pope Francis. A Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis was celebrated there as well, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Below is a statement from Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg: