Update – April 22, 2025
The Funeral Mass for Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. (Rome time) in St. Peter’s Square. Following the Mass, the Holy Father’s coffin will be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica, and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial.
This Funeral Mass marks the beginning of the “Novendiales”, nine days of Requiem Masses offered for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul. Each day, a cardinal selected by the late pope will preside over Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Diocese of San José will hold a Memorial Mass for Pope Francis, celebrated by Bishop Oscar Cantú, on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph. All are warmly invited to attend and join in prayer for the eternal rest of our Holy Father.
Please see Bishop Cantú’s original statement below.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is with profound sorrow that we mourn the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, who returned to the house of the Father this morning at the age of 88.
Pope Francis was a shepherd who led with humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel. He referred to the Church as a field hospital, reaching out to the peripheries, and encouraged us all to encounter each other, especially the poor. His emphasis on mercy, care for creation, and solidarity with the poor has left an indelible mark on the Church and the world.
As we mourn his passing, we also unite with the Church around the world in prayer during this novendiales period, nine days of prayer and remembrance following the death of a pope. The official date of the funeral or the novendialis is yet to be confirmed. I will celebrate a Diocesan Memorial Mass for Pope Francis in the coming days, and all are invited to participate. Details will be shared soon.
Let us honor the legacy of Pope Francis by continuing to build a Church that is welcoming, inclusive, and dedicated to serving those in need.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
In Christ,
+Oscar Cantú
Bishop of San José