The joint Requiem Mass in the Catholic Diocese of Helsinki in memory of Pope Francis was celebrated on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in the Lutheran Mikael Agricola Church. The liturgy followed largely the same structure and texts used at the Pope’s funeral Mass in the Vatican one week earlier.
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Raimo Goyarrola of Helsinki, together with many priests of the diocese, and he also gave the homily. Approximately 400 people attended, including many invited guests—among them members of the diplomatic corps from several countries, as well as the future Mayor of Helsinki, Daniel Sazonov.
The music was provided by Cappella Sanctae Mariae from St. Mary’s Parish, conducted by Ann-Catrin Weckström. The organist was Father Martti Savijoki S.C.I., also of St. Mary’s Parish.
In his homily, Bishop Raimo highlighted some of Pope Francis’s dearest themes: the importance of evangelization, revealing the merciful face of God to all people, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The bishop expressed the Pope’s message in words such as these:
“Francis constantly reminded us that mercy is not only a divine attribute but also a virtue that must permeate our daily lives: in forgiveness, in helping those in need, in consolation, and in having an open heart toward others. God’s name is mercy—but mercy is also the door to true humanity.”
“Pope Francis taught us that true greatness is not in power, but in service—not in honors, but in humility and love of neighbor.”
“Francis reminded us that the Church lives by evangelization and called us to a new evangelization—not as a campaign, but as a way of life: an open heart without prejudice, a hand that lifts up, a word that encourages, an ear that listens, a gaze that sees and acknowledges the other, and a mouth that proclaims Jesus, the Lord and Savior.”
After the Mass, the Vietnamese Catholic community hosted a coffee reception in the church crypt. The bishop’s concluding words surely remained in the hearts of many: “Pope Francis has completed his earthly pilgrimage, but his life and example still shine for us as a light. May he rest in the merciful arms of God, and may his intercession always be with us.”
KATT
– The Bishop’s homily (Visit an external site. The link opens in a new tab.)