Liturgical FAQs

Q. Should the Mass for the Pope use texts from the Octave or the Masses for the Dead?

A. They should be taken from the Octave – all eight days are ranked as a solemnity. A Gloria and a double Alleluia are prescribed. Remember Pope Francis in the Universal Prayer, in the homily, and in the environment.

“The Bishop and Priests in every parish should offer a special Mass for the deceased Pope. It is desirable that the Mass be offered by the Bishop at the Cathedral or in each vicariate to allow for the attendance of as many of the faithful as possible. Care should be taken that such a Mass be celebrated according to the norms of the liturgical calendar” (Upon This Rock, page 7).

Q. Likewise, should we use the Liturgy of Hours for the Dead or for the Octave?
A.  For the Octave.  Consider using some elements from the Hours for the Dead (prayers, psalmody) in prayer services.

Q. Do we mention the Pope in the Eucharistic Prayer?
A. No. During the sede vacante (the vacant seat), the Pope’s name is not mentioned in the Eucharistic Prayer.
In Eucharistic Prayer I and III, delete the words, “your servant N. our Pope and”
In Eucharistic Prayer II, delete the words, “N, our Pope and”
In Eucharistic Prayer IV, delete the words “your servant N. our Pope”
In EP MVNO-I, “…Strengthen the bond of unity between the pastors of your people, together with N., ____ our Bishop, and the whole Order of Bishops…”

Q. Is “Upon This Rock” translated into Spanish?
A. Unfortunately, no.  Please see the USCCB website for materials in Spanish. https://www.usccb.org/resources/liturgical-notes-pope-francis-ESP.pdf

CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT THE VATICAN
The rites will occur according to the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificus  (Funeral Rites for the Roman Pontiff).  These were developed by Saint Pope John Paul II and used at his funeral in 2005.  Pope Benedict XVI modified them and they were used at his funeral in 2022. And Pope Francis simplified them further in 2024.

April 21
The Pope’s body was vested, laid in a simple wooden coffin, and taken to the chapel at Sancta Martha Chapel.  A Liturgy of the Word was led by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo [Chamberlain] of the Vatican.

April 23
Cardinal Farrell will lead the procession from Sancta Marthae Chapel, to Saint Peter’s Square, to St. Peter’s Basilica. Public viewing will begin at 9:00 AM Vatican Time (that is 3:00 AM Eastern).

April 25
A late night prayer service and closing of the coffin.

April 26
Funeral Mass for Pope Francis 10:00 AM (4:00 AM Eastern).  Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside.At the request of Pope Francis, burial will take place in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major).  The last pope to be buried there was Pope Clement the IX in the seventeenth century.
The simple stone will be at ground level and will bear the word “Franciscus.”

April 27
A Mass originally scheduled as a Jubilee Mass for Adolescents will become one of eight memorial Masses for the Pope.

May 6-12
To be announced:  The Conclave begins 15-21 days after the Pope’s death.