Nine Days of Mourning
With sorrow and gratitude, we unite as a Church to remember the life and teachings of Pope Francis. During this sacred time, we invite you to join in prayer, reflection and acts of faith as we observe the traditional Nine Days of Mourning (Novendiales).
Understanding the Nine Days of Mourning (Novendiales)
For nine days following the passing of a pope, the Catholic Church observes a solemn period of mourning known as Novendiales (Latin for “nine days”). This sacred tradition dates back centuries and serves as a time for the faithful to grieve, offer prayers for the repose of the Holy Father’s soul and reflect on his leadership and teachings. It also marks a period of transition as the Church prays for guidance in selecting a new successor to Saint Peter.
Daily Prayer Guide
The official mourning period for Pope Francis, known as the Novendiales, will take place from April 26 to May 4, 2025. Click the link below to access the Novena in Memory of Pope Francis from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Each day of Novendiales invites the faithful into a time of prayer, reflection and thanksgiving for the life and ministry of Pope Francis. These prayers serves as a powerful way to honor his legacy and is intended to be prayed in addition to the Novena in Memory of Pope Francis.
We encourage you to use this guide in your personal devotions or within your parish community. You are also invited to share these prayers and reflections with loved ones—whether by text, group message or social media. Each prayer card below can be saved by simply right-clicking the image. By spreading these prayers, we come together as a global Church to remember Pope Francis and unite in faith and hope during this sacred time.
Additional prayers and daily readings will be shared as they become available through the Vatican or USCCB.
Day 1: Reflection on Mercy – Prayer for God’s mercy upon Pope Francis and for all souls in purgatory.
Day 2: Reflection on Humility – Meditate on Pope Francis' call to simplicity and servant leadership.
Day 3: Reflection on the Poor – Pray for the marginalized and those Pope Francis advocated for.
Day 4: Reflection on Creation – Honor his dedication to environmental stewardship and Laudato Si’.
Day 5: Reflection on the Church – Pray for the Church’s unity and guidance during this transition.
Day 6: Reflection on Family – Pray for families, inspired by Amoris Laetitia.
Day 7: Reflection on Evangelization – Ask for renewed zeal to spread the Gospel.
Day 8: Reflection on Peace – Pray for global peace, recalling Fratelli Tutti.
Day 9: Reflection on Eternal Life – Entrust Pope Francis’ soul to God’s eternal embrace.
How can you participate?
We encourage Catholic’s in the Diocese of Erie to do the following:
- Attend Mass – Offer intentions for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.
- Pray the Rosary – Reflect on his legacy through the mysteries of Christ.
- Read God’s teachings – Explore encyclicals such as Laudato Si’, Evangelii Gaudium and Fratelli Tutti.
- Join in Eucharistic Adoration – Seek comfort and renewal in Christ’s presence
Honoring Pope Francis in this year of Jubilee:
In honor of Pope Francis’ deep commitment to charity and mercy, consider:
- Performing an Act of Mercy – Visit the sick, feed the hungry or reconcile with someone in need of forgiveness.
- Caring for Creation – Take an action to protect our environment, inspired by Laudato Si’.
- Deepening Your Faith – Dedicate time to Scripture, confession or spiritual renewal.
Resources & Further Reading
- Vatican News – Official updates from the Holy See
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) – Reflections and prayers
- Pope Francis’ Encyclicals & Writings
May we honor Pope Francis by living out the Gospel message he shared with the world.