With heavy hearts and immense gratitude for his life and service, we join the global Church in mourning the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis.
Bishop Gregory Parkes shared the following reflection in honor of the Pope’s legacy:
“Today we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the Father in heaven. During his 12-year pontificate he taught us through word and example to share the joy of the Gospel, to go to the peripheries of society and the world to care for the poor and marginalized, and he taught us of the need to care for the environment. And most recently, he emphasized the need to be a synodal church which reaches out and values the contributions of many. In recent days and weeks, he endured his own personal suffering with patience, and never lost his desire to be present to the flock he was called to shepherd.”
— Bishop Gregory L. Parkes
In remembering the life and papacy of Pope Francis, we give thanks for the many ways he reflected Christ’s light—through his humility, compassion, and unwavering call to mercy and justice.
Let us unite in prayer for the repose of his soul and for the whole Church as we grieve this profound loss.
As is tradition in the Church, we will begin a novena of mourning starting this Saturday, April 26 – the day of Pope Francis’ funeral at 10:00 a.m. in Rome (4am Tampa time). For the nine days following, we invite you to pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be each day for the repose of his soul.
Resources & Tributes
To assist the faithful in prayer, remembrance, and reflection during this time, here are a collection of resources:
- Resource Collection from the Diocese of Saint Petersburg
A collection of resources by our diocese.
> Visit the Webpage - Novena in Honor of Pope Francis
A prayer in honor of the Pope.
> Read the Novena - Pope Francis in Memoriam – USCCB
> Visit the Webpage
We will continue to update this page as more information and resources become available.