Latest News Pope Francis Requiescat in Pace Photographs: Mazur/cbcew.org.uk Conclave to elect new Pope begins on Wednesday 7 May Conclave Online Book of Condolence Here you can leave a message, prayer, or short reflection as we celebrate his ministry and massive contribution to the Catholic Church as our 266th Pope. Leave a Tribute Latest Updates Latest updates from Vatican News Latest updates from the Bishops' Conference Easter Monday, 21 April 2025 Pope Francis, who served as Supreme Pontiff from March 2013 to this morning (Monday 21 April), has died aged 88, the Vatican has confirmed. At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. "He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God." Archbishop Bernard Longley said: “As the remarkable pontificate of Pope Francis comes to a close all the faithful, Religious and clergy of our Archdiocese join in praying for the repose of his soul. “We recall with gratitude the Canonisation of St John Henry Newman, Birmingham’s saint, in 2019 by Pope Francis and the late Holy Father’s appreciation for Cardinal Newman’s teachings on the development of doctrine. “The Holy Spirit inspired Pope Francis to lead the Church along the Synodal Pathway in fidelity to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and this will undoubtedly remain an important part of his abiding legacy. “We also remember Pope Francis’s many ecumenical and inter-religious initiatives as he prayed and worked for the unity of the Church and of mankind and for the respect due to God’s creation. “We pray that the Good Shepherd will now welcome the Successor of Peter into the company of saints. May he rest in peace.” The Archbishop offered the Easter Monday Mass to the repose of the Holy Father's soul. Prayer cards will be available in parishes in the next few days. Listen! Archbishop Bernard shares a prayer for Pope Francis Your browser does not support the audio element. Please click here to download the file Memories and Reflections Masses and Vespers at St Chad’s Cathedral As always, St Chad’s Cathedral is open to visitors every day with a daily lunchtime Mass, Monday to Friday, at 12.15pm. This week (Tuesday-Friday) the Cathedral will be open later, until 5.30pm. Over the coming days Masses will be offered for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis:Easter Tuesday (22) – Celebrated by Bishop David Evans Easter Wednesday (23) – Celebrated by Canon Brian McGinley Easter Thursday (24) – Celebrated by Canon Jonathan Veasey Easter Friday (25) – Celebrated by Canon Brian McGinley Day of Pope Francis’ Funeral:Easter Saturday (26) Vigil at 4.30pm – Celebrated by Bishop Timothy Menezes (the Cathedral will remain open until after Vespers)Easter Saturday (26) Solemn Vespers at 7pm - Archbishop Bernard Longley Sunday 27 April at 9.30am - Celebrated by Canon Brian McGinleySunday 27 April at 11.30am – Celebrated by Archbishop Bernard LongleyMonday 28 April – Celebrated by Monsignor Mark CrispTuesday 29 April – Celebrated by Canon Ray Corbett All are welcome to attend any Mass or spend time in quiet prayer and reflection. There is also the opportunity to light a candle or sign a Book of Condolence. St Chad's Cathedral Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and Archbishop of Westminster, said: “The death of Pope Francis brings great sadness to so many around the world, both within the Catholic Church and in societies in general. A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent. The legacy he leaves is one we must seek to carry forward and strengthen. "Pope Francis was called to priesthood through his experience of the mercy and compassion of God. This remained the core of his ministry, as Priest, Bishop and Pontiff. Only in understanding the love and mercy of God towards each one of us can we fashion societies and communities that bear the mark of the 'kingdom of God'. "This same focus and emphasis lay at this desire to see membership of the Church as being rooted in ‘missionary discipleship’, a dynamic and powerful vision for every Christian and every community. "Now we pray for the repose of his soul, that he may know, in full measure, the merciful and loving embrace of the Father, of the one God to whom he gave his life in unstinting service. "May he now rest in peace and rise in glory.” Cardinal Nichols pays tribute to a Pope who loved those on the peripheries Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales - Pope Francis Funeral Arrangements From Vatican News The Holy See Press Office announced on Tuesday 22 April that Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM (9am BST) in St. Peter’s Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside at the Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe. The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, or nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of Pope Francis' soul. The late Pope's body will then be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment. Earlier, on Wednesday 23 April, the coffin containing the Pope’s body will be carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica, so that the faithful may pay their respects. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of translation on April 23, which will begin at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer. The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, according to the Holy See Press Office. The procession will then exit through the Arch of the Bells into St. Peter’s Square and enter the Vatican Basilica through the central door. At the Altar of the Confession, the Cardinal Camerlengo will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of which the visits to the body of the Roman Pontiff will commence. Booklet for the Celebration: Funeral Mass of the Roman Pontiff Francis Watch live coverage of the funeral via Vatican News, Vatican News on YouTube and across all main TV news services. Prayers for Pope Francis A dedicated area of resources for parishes provided by the Bishops' Conference. Including prayers, prayer cards, information, posters, liturgical resources. Access Parish Resources Listen! Archbishop Bernard shares a prayer for Pope Francis Your browser does not support the audio element. Please click here to download the file What happens next? Detailed on the Bishops' Conference website is the procedure following the death or resignation of a Pope and how a new Pope is elected as Bishop of Rome and successor of St Peter. Election of a Pope Manage Cookie Preferences