“Requiescat in Pace”
Requiem Mass for Pope Francis R.I.P,
Cobh
25 April 2025
My friends,
Tomorrow morning after Requiem Mass in St. Peter’s Square the funeral cortege with the mortal remains of Pope Francis will process to the Basilica of St. Mary Major to be laid to rest in a simple grave as was his request.
The death of the Pope is always something of a jolt/shock – because the Church is deeply conscious of the unique contribution each one brings to the Petrine ministry. It is no less true of the impact of the death of Pope Francis has had over these recent days in the life of the Church and the World. His death draws to a close a unique and special presence and voice – a voice that was listened to because he spoke with integrity and courage.
In time history will evaluate the unique contribution of that presence and that voice. It is for us in this community of Christian faith to join with the Universal Church in prayer for his eternal repose, in fulfilment of his faith and trust in the promise of the Good Shepherd who inspired his life and ministry.
Though saddened by his death, it is tempered by an immense gratitude to God for the life and witness to Gods love, compassion and mercy. Pope Francis often surprised people with the unexpected – he unnerved many around him. In that sense he was a disruptor – he rattled cages, he disturbed the peace. He did so in the way Jesus, the Good Shepherd did. How often did Jesus disturb the fixed consensus of the religious leaders of his day? He reprimanded those who failed to lift a finger to lighten the burden of those weighed down by life, by poverty, addiction or sickness. In that sense he disturbed the comfortable and comforted the afflicted – we’re blessed that he did.
In September 2013 I met Pope Francis as part of an audience for 102 new bishops from 35 nations. He spoke to us of our new responsibility as Shepherd and Pastor. His address was eloquent, direct and crystal clear. His style, in the Jesuit tradition, was to make three points,
Accogliere, Camminare, Rimanere
Receive, Walk with, Stay with
- Receive, accept and welcome the flock entrusted to you – do so with magnanimity, with the fulness of your heart
- Walk with the flock – in their joy and hope, difficulties and suffering with the spirit of a father who listens, understands, helps and gives guidance
- Remain with the flock – don’t be running here and there seeking preferment. Stressing the importance of presence.
I recall his message so clearly because it made a deep impression on me and I’m grateful.
Francis made a deep impression on many people across the world by his vision for humanity so beautifully articulated in his Letter “The Joy of the Gospel.” “Laudato Si” – his letter on the care of our Common Home – that is, the earth, registered deeply with believers and non-believers alike.
Yet words alone hardly explain his impact. The humble nature of his presence to people rich and poor alike. His sustained sense of hope for all mankind never diminished such was his faith in the dignity and worth of each person.
His example awakened a sense of worth in the hearts of many who felt excluded. He enabled many to sense the Goodness of the love of God for them in a new way. He radiated a goodness and welcome that empowered many to walk again with joy and hope.
It is for this witness we are thankful tonight.
Pope Francis when asked in interviews about himself – responded that he was a sinner. It was his common practice to ask those he met to pray for him.
He therefore was deeply conscious of his sharing in the sin and failure of the human condition. So, we entrust him to the Mercy of God that he may know the reward of his Goodness. May he rest in peace. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
