Following the death of Pope Francis, prayer services are being held in churches across the world, and Masses include prayers for the repose of the Holy Father’s soul.
The Bishop of the Diocese of Helsinki, Msgr. Raimo Goyarrola, requested already on Monday that—where possible—all parishes celebrate a Mass on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m., especially to pray for the Pope. This is not a Requiem Mass, as the Church is currently observing the Easter Octave, during which only Easter Octave Masses or funeral Masses are permitted. The Easter Octave concludes on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27. After that, Requiem Masses may be celebrated in the parishes.
Bishop Raimo Goyarrola will celebrate Mass at St. Henry’s Cathedral on Tuesday, April 22 at 6 p.m. The intention of the Mass will be especially for Pope Francis. The bishop will also celebrate an Easter Octave Mass in the Cathedral on Friday evening at 6 p.m. After that Mass, he will lead the faithful in a silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which will continue in the church until midnight.
Various other parishes will also organize special moments of prayer for the soul of Pope Francis. More information is available on each parish’s own website.
Papal Funeral on Saturday
On Tuesday morning, it was announced that the funeral Mass of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The funeral Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
At the conclusion of the funeral Mass, the Rite of Final Commendation and Farewell will be celebrated. The Pope’s coffin will then be transferred—through St. Peter’s Basilica—to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in central Rome for burial.
Book of Condolence at St. Henry’s Cathedral from Thursday to Monday
A book of condolence for Pope Francis will be available at St. Henry’s Cathedral (Pyhän Henrikin aukio 1, 00140 Helsinki) outside of Mass times, during the church’s regular opening hours, from Thursday morning to Monday evening, April 24–28, 2025. All who wish are invited to write their farewells and prayers in memory of Pope Francis.
KATT / Vatican News