In an atmosphere filled with sorrow, yet infused with faith and hope, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over a Holy Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
The Mass was concelebrated by Cardinal Mykola Bychok, C.SS.R., Eparchal Bishop of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne of the Ukrainians (Australia), Fr. Francesco Patton, OFM, Custos of the Holy Land, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, Apostolic Delegate, Msgr. William Shomali, Patriarchal General Vicar, and Msgr. Rafiq Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar for Galilee, along with a large number of bishops and priests. Among the assembly were representatives of the Churches of the Holy Land, a number of ambassadors, consuls, and diplomats, along with members of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, various religious orders, and the faithful.
The faithful gathered in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, lifting their prayers and hearts to God the Father, in gratitude and praise for the life and service of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who throughout his twelve-year pontificate embodied the humble and loving heart of Christ for humanity. He left the Church a precious spiritual legacy to accompany her on her earthly journey toward heaven. All prayed for the repose of the late Pope, that he may dwell among the righteous and be embraced by the infinite mercy of the Heavenly Father.
In his homily, Fr. Francesco Patton expressed the Church's deep sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis, while also affirming the Christian hope that springs from the Resurrection of Christ. He recalled how Pope Francis constantly asked people to pray for him, a testament to his humility and simplicity, which left a lasting impression on many hearts.
Fr. Patton emphasized Pope Francis’s closeness to the suffering of the people of the Holy Land, particularly in Gaza, where he repeatedly called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. In his final Easter message, Urbi et Orbi, the Pope declared: " I appeal to the warring parties: Call on a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of starving people that aspires to a future of peace!”
Fr. Patton concluded his homily by calling everyone to follow the example of Pope Francis in a life of mercy and hope, affirming that the image of the empty tomb is a symbol of life’s victory over death and that the Pope’s message will remain alive in the hearts of the faithful.
Many participants expressed their deep love for Pope Francis and the profound impact he had on their lives, especially among the youth. To many, he was a spiritual father who understood their struggles and opened doors of hope and renewal, notably through the Jubilee of Hope. One attendee shared: “I became a better person because of his teachings; he taught us wisdom, humility, and love.” Others recalled his touching gestures toward the vulnerable and marginalized—like the moment he embraced a child with special needs—seeing in such acts the embodiment of his merciful spirit that will live on in their hearts. One mourner summed it up tenderly: “We love you; we bless you, and we thank you for your beautiful life given to the Church.”
At the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, before the empty Tomb of Christ, the Church of Jerusalem expressed her fidelity and deep appreciation for Pope Francis's spiritual and pastoral journey—a life marked by service, generosity, and the defense of human dignity.
