On Saturday, 3 May 2025, Bishop Raimo Goyarrola of Helsinki celebrated a solemn Requiem Mass together with the diocesan clergy in memory of Pope Francis at the Church of Mikael Agricola in Helsinki. Several hundred Catholics attended the Mass, along with many others who came to remember Pope Francis, including about twenty members of the diplomatic corps and Daniel Sazonov, who will assume office as Mayor of Helsinki in June.
The Mass followed, for the most part, the texts and prayers of the actual papal funeral liturgy. Music was provided by the Chorus Sanctae Mariae of the Parish of Mary, conducted by Ann-Catrin Weckström, with Fr. Martti Savijoki SCJ serving as organist. Bishop Raimo’s homily can be read on page 19 of this issue (Visit an external site. The link opens in a new tab.).
After the Mass, the congregation was invited for coffee in the crypt of Agricola Church.
Grateful thanks are extended also to the Cathedral Parish of Helsinki, which kindly made the church and crypt available to the Catholic Church for this occasion.
KATT