With the funeral of Pope Francis celebrated this morning, Saturday, April 26, the Catholic Church now enters a sacred period known as the Novemdiales—nine days of mourning and prayer offered for the repose of the soul of the pope. This ancient tradition, deeply rooted in both Christian and Roman heritage, invites the entire Church—not just those in Rome—to join in prayerful remembrance, spiritual solidarity, and hope in the Resurrection.

What Are the Novemdiales?

The term Novemdiales comes from the Latin word for “nine days.” In the context of a pope’s death, it refers to the nine consecutive days of liturgical and devotional observance that begin with the funeral Mass and conclude nine days later.

This tradition traces its roots to the early centuries of the Church and mirrors the Roman practice of nine days of mourning following a significant death. In the Christian tradition, it took on a deeper spiritual meaning—uniting the faithful in prayer for the deceased and affirming our belief in eternal life through Christ. For the pope, who serves as the universal shepherd of Christ’s flock, the Novemdiales also reflect the universal nature of the Church and the unity of her members in grief and prayer.

Why Nine Days?

Nine days is a deeply biblical and liturgical number. In the Acts of the Apostles, Mary and the disciples spent nine days in prayer between the Ascension and Pentecost (Acts 1:12–14). In the Church today, we mirror that same prayerful waiting in novenas—nine-day prayers for particular intentions. The Novemdiales is, in a sense, the Church’s final novena for her shepherd.

Each day is typically marked by a special Requiem Mass at the Vatican, presided over by a different cardinal and offered with various groups in mind: Vatican workers, the Diocese of Rome, the Eastern Churches, religious orders, and others. But this is not only something happening in Rome—this is a time for all of us to enter into prayer.

How We Can Participate Locally

While only a few will be physically present in St. Peter’s Basilica for the Novemdiales, every Catholic is invited to join spiritually and liturgically, offering their own prayers and sacrifices for the soul of Pope Francis.

Here in our archdiocese, we encourage all parishes, families, and individuals to take part in this period of mourning in the following ways:

1. Attend or Offer a Requiem Mass: Rev Fathers may choose to celebrate a Mass for the Dead during this period. Parishioners can attend and unite their prayers with the global Church.
2. Pray the Rosary for the Dead: Consider praying a daily Rosary with the intention of Pope Francis' eternal rest. The Sorrowful Mysteries are especially fitting.
3. Evening Prayer for the Dead (Vespers): The Office for the Dead from the Liturgy of the Hours is a powerful way to pray with the Church. Families may pray it together or join a parish prayer service.
4. Offer Personal Devotions: Light a candle, offer a Chaplet of Divine Mercy, spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, or pray the Litany for the Faithful Departed.
5. Write in a Parish Book of Remembrance: Some parishes may provide a space for the faithful to write notes of thanksgiving for Pope Francis' life and ministry, or to sign a book of remembrance.
6. Unite Suffering to Prayer: Those who are ill, homebound, or suffering in any way can offer up their hardships in union with the prayers of the Church during these nine days.

A Time of Unity and Hope

These days are not only about remembering a beloved Holy Father, but also about affirming our faith in the Resurrection and our unity as the Body of Christ. Just as Pope Francis guided us in love, mercy, and simplicity, we now accompany him with our prayers, trusting in God’s infinite mercy.

The Novemdiales conclude on May 4. Let us remain united in prayer until then—and beyond—as the Church prepares to elect a new successor to Peter. May we be inspired by Pope Francis’ life of humble service, and may we honor him not only with words, but with lives lived in the spirit of the Gospel.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace. Amen.