Father Carl Morello on the passing of Pope Francis

PLEASE NOTE – A Memorial Service for Pope Francis will be planned locally for the Oak Park Catholic Community and Neighbors. More information will be sent once details are finalized.

Dear Parish Family,

We mourn the passing of Pope Francis - a true shepherd to our church and the world. He spoke with a tireless voice for the poor and marginalized, a beacon of humility and compassion.

Pope Francis has gone home to the Lord at such a beautiful time of the year, the Easter season.  He lived
a life of faith following our risen Lord. Now in faith and hope we unite in prayer for the repose of his soul.

May the Holy Spirit  help us live the faith he embodies and follow his example of service to others, especially to the ones most in need.

In Christ our Risen Lord,

Fr. Carl

 

Statement and Video Message of Cardinal Cupich on the Death of Pope Francis – April 21, 2025

I have received word that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has died. In this moment of profound loss for me personally and for the Church, I take this moment to express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the gift of his papacy and to pray for the repose of his soul. The finest memorial we can offer is to re-form our hearts as Pope Francis asked – to see our brothers and sisters, to listen to them and to offer our prayers and actions that all may experience the fullness of God’s promise. As we mourn his passing, I ask that God comfort us, but also strengthen us to remain steadfast in carrying on the work of restoring our Church’s place in the world as a source of hope and an advocate for those in need.

Watch the video from Cardinal Cupich HERE

 

Memorial Mass for Pope Francis at Holy Name Cathedral – April 23, 2025

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, will preside over a Memorial Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis at Holy Name Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, at 10 AM.

The public is welcome to attend – No tickets are required! – The Mass will be livestreamed.

WATCH THE LIVESTREAMED MASS HERE

 

Death of Pope Francis – Prayer

O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful, look favorably on your servant Francis, whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd; grant, we pray, that by word and example he may be of service to those over whom he presides so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care, he may come to everlasting life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Excerpt from the English translation of The Roman Missal - © 2010 International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

 

Death of Pope Francis – Resources