Cardinal Tobin to celebrate Mass for repose of the soul of Pope Francis
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. will celebrate a Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. All the faithful are invited to attend. The Mass will also be livestreamed on the Cathedral Basilica’s and Archdiocese’s social media channels.
Pope Francis died earlier today at the age of 88. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the Pope’s death from Casa Santa Marta, where the Pope has his residence, in these words:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
In a statement, Cardinal Tobin said that he joined the whole Church “in mourning the death of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, a shepherd who walked closely with God’s people and never tired of reminding us of God’s mercy.” You may read Cardinal’s Tobin’s statement in its entirety here.
Catholics and others around the world are mourning the loss of the Holy Father and paying tribute to his extraordinary life. At noon, the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart tolled hits bells 88 times, to commemorate the 88 years of his life.
Featured image: Pope Francis greets people near the Talitha Qum homeless shelter in Cartagena, Colombia, Sept. 10, 2017. Pope Francis, formerly Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died April 21, 2025, at age 88. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
