Pope Leo has made a surprise visit to the Shrine of Madonna of Good Counsel, outside Rome. It is an Augustinian Shrine……Pope Leo is an Augustinian and has a great devotion to the Mother of Good Counsel.
Here is the official press release from the Shrine:
“With great surprise Pope Leo XIV, our Augustinian confrere Fr. Robert Francis Prevost, presented himself this afternoon around 4 pm on a visit to the Shrine, to entrust his election and the entire Church to the Mother of Good Counsel.
Pope Leo has made a surprise visit to the Shrine of Madonna of Good Counsel, outside Rome. It is an Augustinian Shrine. Pope Leo has a great devotion to the Mother of Good Counsel. pic.twitter.com/R3wfLDlHRi
As a cardinal on April 25, 2024, he had celebrated Mass in the Shrine on the occasion of the Feast of the “Venus” of the Mother of Good Counsel. In his homily, the then Cardinal Prevost expressed his devotion to the Virgin, exhorting the faithful to be inspired by Mary to spread peace and reconciliation in the world.
This afternoon Pope Leo arrived in a Volkswagen multivan, sitting in the front seat; he was greeted by a cheering crowd of hundreds of people gathered in the square or looking out by windows and balconies. Many shouted “Lion, Leo” and the nearby streets were gradually crowded. Entering the church, where he greeted the religious, the Pontiff stopped in prayer, first in front of the altar and then in front of the image of the Virgin. With those present he recited the prayer of John Paul II to the Mother of Good Counsel.
At the end, after the Hail Mary and the song of the Salve Regina, the Pope addressed those who were in the church, greeting them and the people of Genazzano gathered outside: “I wanted so much to come here in these first days of the new ministry that the Church has delivered to me, to carry out this mission as the Successor of Peter”. And recalling the visit made after the a prior election of the Order of St. Augustine, and the choice to “offer life to the Church,” Leo XIV reiterated his ‘trust in the Mother of the Good Counsel,’ the company of ‘light, wisdom’ with the words addressed by Mary to the servants on the day of the Wedding at Cana, reported in John’s Gospel: ‘Whatever he says to you, do it.’
What a moment of grace! Let us gather as a Church under the mantle of our Mother together with our Pontiff, and we strengthen prayer for him, for his mission for the universal Church, for the Church and for the whole world”
Pope Leo XIV wrote in the Shrine’s guestbook:
“Still in the first days of the pontificate, I felt the duty and a deep longing to approach Genazzano, the shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel, who, throughout my life, has accompanied me with her maternal presence, with her wisdom, and the example of her love for her son who is always the center of my faith. Way, truth and life. Thank you Mother, for your help – accompany me in this newmission”
The Conclave to elect a new Pope after the passing of Pope Francis:
After a Pope dies, we enter a period called the interregnum (Latin for “between reigns“). During the interregnum, we have no Pope and a chain of events begins to elect a new Pope. All Cardinals under the age of 80 are summoned to Rome to begin the process of electing a new Pope in what is called a Conclave. The word “conclave” is a Latin noun dating back to ancient Rome meaning a locked room, typically used to store valuables or imprison someone; and indeed, the Cardinals are in a locked room (the Sistine Chapel) during deliberations and voting.
The history of Papal Conclaves:
Far from what we see today, from the Apostolic Age until 1059, the Pope, like other bishops, was chosen by the consensus of the clergy and laity of the diocese. In 1059, the body of electors was more precisely defined, when the College of Cardinals was designated the sole body of electors.
The 1268–71 papal election in Viterbo, Italy (from November 1268 to September 1271), following the death of Pope Clement IV, was the longest papal election in the history. locals became frustrated with the prolonged election and decided to remove the roof of the building where the cardinals were locked up. This was done to pressure them into a decision. The cardinals were already confined, fed only bread and water, and the roof removal was a final push to speed up the process.
The location of the Conclave was not always fixed: the Conclave of 1314-16 was held in France, and a century later, the Conclave of 1415-17 was held in Germany.
Papal conclaves, as a legally mandated process, officially began after that in 1274 in Viterbo with Pope Gregory X’s bull Ubipericulum. Prior to this, although papal elections had been held under similar circumstances, this was the first time such a formal requirement was introduced.
The conclave typically begins between 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death. In this case, the Conclave began on May 7, 2025, following the conclusion of the Novemdiales Masses where we prayed for the eternal repose of the late Pope Francis.
The photos shown below were released by the Vatican on May 5 showing that the preparations were complete for the Conclave to begin.
Historically, most conclaves last a few days, although the longest in history started in 1268 and lasted two years and nine months. After several rule changes to speed up the process over time, the average length of a conclave since the beginning of the 20th century has been three days.
The Conclave to elect Pope Benedict XVI lasted two days, while the Conclave that elected Pope Francis was one of the shortest in history, lasting just over 24 hours, barely making it two days. The time record for the last 8 conclaves is as follows:
•1922 – Pius XI: 5 days
•1939 – Pius XII: 2 days
•1958 – John XXIII: 4 days
•1963 – Paul VI: 3 days
•1978 – John Paul I: 2 days
•1978 – John Paul II: 3 days
•2005 – Benedict XVI: 2 days
•2013 – Francis: 2 days
Of course, this is not to say that we will see a short conclave this time….it all depends upon the dynamics involved. Our best guess is 3-4 days…but our guess is as good as yours (actually, yours is probably better)
The Conclave process explained:
Marking the beginning of the Conclave, a special Mass is held in the morning in Saint Peter’s Basilica. After Mass, the cardinal electors will gather inside the Sistine Chapel, which has overseen all papal conclaves since 1858. The conclave will officially begin when the words “extra omnes” (Latin for “everybody out”) are said by the master of the papal liturgical celebrations. This expels everyone but voting cardinals from the Sistine Chapel. Per tradition, the cardinals are cut off from the outside world, including televisions, phones, computers and newspapers, which certainly fits in with the definition of “Conclave”.
The voting process at the 2025 conclave:
Most of the Cardinal-electors do not know each other (except for a few well-known officials)…in fact, they wear name tags for identification. So the time before voting becomes a brief opportunity for some of them to exchange viewpoints and get to know each other better.
There was no set day for the voting to begin; however,
Image courtesy OSVnews.com
Cardinals vote by writing on a piece of paper headed “Eligo in summen pontificem,” Latin for “I elect as supreme pontiff.” Ballots are then stuffed into an urn and counted. To validly elect a new Pope, a two-thirds majority of the electors that are present is required. If the total number of electors is not evenly divisible by three, an additional vote is necessary.
If you are looking for announcements, bear in mind the time difference between Rome and where you live. Rome time is GMT +2. So, for example, New York is GMT -4. and therefore 6 hours ahead of Rome time. (7:45 am in Rome is 1:45 pm in New York).
Three cardinals delegated as scrutineers count the ballots, ensure everyone has voted, each make a count, and then burn the ballots. A two-thirds majority is required for a cardinal to be named the new pope.
All eyes will be on the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel:
Interestingly, the slim metal chimney is not a permanent part of the chapel and is only placed on its roof as a Conclave begins.
It is connected to two stoves..one stove used for the black smoke and one used for the white smoke.
After each vote in a conclave, if no clear winner has emerged, black smoke is released from the chimney, visible from St. Peter’s Square.
This signals that the Cardinals have not yet reached a decision and another vote will be held.
After the first day, four votes will be taken each day, twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. Times are often shown as GMT (Greenwich Mean Time..or UTC); however times below are Eastern Standard Time in the U.S. (remember, Rome is 6 hours earlier than Eastern Standard Time. So if, for example, you live in the U.S. you will probably get the results of the final vote of the previous day along with your morning coffee…have we confused you yet?
First vote: 3:30 a.m. (9:30 am Rome Time)
Second vote: 6:00 a.m. (noon Rome time) Smoke is released for the votes 1 and 2.
Third vote: 10 a.m. EDT (4:00 p.m. Rome time)
Fourth vote: 7 p.m. EDT (1:00 a.m. following day Rome time) smoke is released for votes 3 and 4.
Although there can be four votes per day after the first day, smoke is only released twice per day, as ballots from each session (morning and afternoon) are burned together…unless, of course a new Pope has been elected.
White smoke is released when a new pope has been chosen.
At this time, the crowds in Saint Peter’s square usually erupt in to applause…and millions of Catholics around the world wait in anticipation to see who has been elected.
Just to add to the confusion for those not familiar with time zones, UTC is equivalent to GMT (Greenwich Mean Time); however, their measurements differ: GMT is measured from midday, whereas UTC is measured from midnight. UTC is the legal basis of time in the world. Not worth worrying about, in our humble opinion.
Latest Results of the 2025 Papal Conclave:
There was no set day for the voting to begin; however, on the afternoon of the first day (May 7) there was only one vote taken, and black smoke signaled that no consensus had emerged.
Black smoke rose from the chimney over the Sistine Chapel at 11:50 am (Rome time) on Thursday morning, May 8, signalling the second ballot of the first full day of the conclave – and the third ballot overall – did not elect a pope.
Black smoke again rose from the chimney on Thursday May 8 at 11:50 am (Rome time), signalling the second ballot of the first full day of the conclave has failed to elect a new pope.
We have a Pope!
On Thursday May 8, white smoke emerged from the Sistine Cbapel and we heard the words “Habemus Papam”
Our new pope is Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the name Pope Leo IV.
Once a new Pope has been elected:
The man elected then goes in to “The Room of Tears” or “Crying Room”, a private antechamber within the Sistine Chapel where a newly elected Pope first dons his papal cassock. As you can see from the photo, there is a variety of cassocks and shoes available to fit the new Pope regardless of his measurements. You can read more here.
It’s called “The Room of Tears” because when Leo XIII was elected Pope in 1878 at age 67, he initially felt too old for the job and wept. Despite his concerns, he went on to live a long life, becoming the second-oldest Pope ever and dying at 93. The newly elected Pope often experiences the same overwhelming emotions, both joy and the weight of their new responsibility, and may shed tears in this space.
Shortly thereafter, French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who serves as the Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura and has been selected as Protodeacon, will get to announce “”Habemus Papam” − We have a pope − from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The new pontiff then goes out onto the balcony and blesses the city of Rome and the entire world.
Who will be voting in the Papal Conclave?
This is an ever-changing story leading up to the start of the Conclave, so please let us know if you have any updates.
The geographic representation is still primarily European, which is represented by 53 Cardinal electors (some of whom head Dioceses and Archdioceses in non-European countries, or serve as Apostolic Nuncios abroad or in the Curia), with Italy at 19, followed by France with 6 and Spain with 5.
Among non-European Cardinal-electors there are 37 Cardinals from the Americas, 23 from Asia, 18 from Africa and 4 from Oceania.
As of May 5, 2025, there are 252 cardinals, of whom 135 are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope. Cardinals’ eligibility is based on their age on the date of the pope’s death. According to Universi Dominici Gregis, (Pope Saint John Paul II’s Apostolic Constitution governing papal elections §33), “cardinalswho have not yet reached their80th birthday on the day the Apostolic See becomes vacant arefully eligible to participate in the conclave and to cast their vote for the new pope” .
The oldest cardinal-elector is Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra, the archbishop emeritus of Madrid. He is 79 years old, and he turns 80 on May 16, 2025. Had he been born just under a month earlier, he would have been too old to enter the conclave.
In an unusual turn of events ahead of the 2025 conclave, the official ages of two African cardinals: John Njue of Kenya and Philippe Ouédraogo of Burkina Faso, were recently revised in the Vatican’s official yearbook, making both eligible to participate in the election of the next pope. This was due to errors in their respective countries’ birth records. However, following a review and submission of new documentation, their dates of birth were corrected, effectively “rejuvenating” them (we like the way the Vatican names things! Wish we could do it to ourselves at times) and restoring their right to enter the Sistine Chapel as electors.
However, not all of these Cardinals will be present at the Conclave and therefore will not be voting.
Cardinals that are eligible to vote but will not be voting in the Conclave:
There are 135 Cardinals under the age of 80 who are eligible to vote; however, this number has been reduced by 2 as of now.
Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera (Spain), seen as an arch-conservative will not take part in the upcoming conclave due to health concerns.
Cardinal John Njue (Kenya)will not travel to Rome, also due to health concerns.
Cardinal Angelo Becciu (Italy), the cardinal at the heart of the Vatican’s “trial of the century” announced on April 29 that he would obey the will of the late Pope Francis and was withdrawing from participating in the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope for “the good of the church.” However, we do not have confirmation of the fact that he is not in attendance.
There were false reports circulating that Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea) is not eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave due to his age; however, Cardinal Sarah will only turn 80 years old on June 15, 2025. Therefore, Cardinal Sarah, at age 79, iseligible to vote in the conclave (he is also considered “papabile”…..a potential candidate for the papacy).
Another arch-conservative, Vinko Cardinal Puljić (Bosnia & Herzegovina) was erroneously reported as not taking part, but has since confirmed that he will take part in the Conclave. Originally, it was reported that he would need to remain at Santa Marta; three cardinals would leave the Sistine Chapel for each vote to go to Santa Marta to collect his ballot, perhaps slowing down the vote count (although we can’t see that as much of a time-consuming task). As of June 5, he has announced that he will be joining the Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel rather than voting from Casa Santa Marta.
One participant (although not eligible to vote) will be Hong Kong’s outspoken Cardinal Joseph Zen, Cardinal Zen had his passport confiscated in 2022 as a result of his controversial arrest under a Beijing-imposed national security law. He has now been allowed to leave the southern Chinese city to attend Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City. Zen, a 93-year-old retired bishop, will not be eligible to vote. He is among the critics in recent years who have said the Vatican’s agreement with Chinese authorities on the appointment of bishops betrays pro-Vatican Chinese Catholics. He has also criticized Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the official charged with negotiations with Beijing, as a “man of little faith.” With Cardinal Parolin being one of the contenders to replace Pope Francis, that makes for interesting dynamics.
The College of Cardinals announced on April 30 that all 133 Cardinal electors participating in the upcoming conclave have the right to vote for the new Pope. The above information may now be incorrect and we will try to get the exact number.
Also of interest is the fact that Cardinal Chibly Langlois, bishop of Les Cayes, will be the first Haitian prelate in the Church’s history to participate and vote in a papal conclave.
Needless to say, there was much speculation over several days as to whom would be selected….and history tells us that most, if not all, of the speculation was wrong.
Anyone trying to handicap the outcome should have remembered that Jorge Mario Bergoglio was considered too old to be elected pope in 2013 at age 76, and that Karol Wojtyla wasn’t on any front-runner lists going into the 1978 conclave that elected him Pope John Paul II. And, of course, the oft-repeated expression: “He who goes in to a Conclave as Pope, comes out a Cardinal“, suggesting that cardinals who are considered front runners or favorites are often surprisingly not chosen. So, we’re not placing any bets!
For what it’s worth, 108 of the electors were appointed by Pope Francis, 22 by his predecessor Pope Benedict and five by Pope John Paul II. You can read into that anything you wish….but, again, we’re taking no bets!
Where the Cardinals were housed during the Conclave:
The Cardinals spend the Conclave housed in private rooms in the Domus Marthae Sanctae (Martha’s House) — essentially a residence hotel in the Vatican with dining facilities that usually houses visiting clergy and laity. As noted above they are cut off from the outside world. Wouldn’t we love to listen in to the conversations over dinner?
Air transportation in the U.S. is about to get a bit more complicated. Wednesday, May 7 is the first day a Real ID compliant license — or another acceptable document — is needed to board a commercial aircraft for domestic travel in the U.S.
It sounds like something of a nightmare at the security checkpoints so we expect a fair amount of confusion as well as disappointment.
What is Real ID?
The law was scheduled to be enforced in 2008 but has been delayed many times.
It will finally go in to effect May 7, 2025.
A Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets federal security standards. Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, seeking to beef up security surrounding IDs used at airports. Compliant IDs such as driver’s licenses are typically marked with a star in the upper right corner, though the specific design may vary by state. States that are already compliant include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, S. Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
But don’t take our word for it….pull out your driver’s license and look.
Obviously if you have a U.S. passport you will be compliant..
According to T.S.A., 81% of travelers at T.S.A. checkpoints already present an acceptable identification including a state-issued Real ID, according to TSA’s statement. For those who don’t…or aren’t sure, we advise you to check your documentation ahead of time. Note: TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification,
If you do not have a current passport or Real ID driver’s license, then in order to obtain a Real ID, Department of Homeland Security says at a minimum you must provide documentation that shows your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of principal address and lawful status.
A valid U.S. Passport or enhanced license are Real ID alternatives. We recommend that most people have a passport regardless, since you never know when an opportunity to travel overseas will come up, and you will have to have a passport to travel overseas. And…..that is one less thing you need to do to prepare for your trip……just keep an eye on the expiration date!
In addition to real ID driver’s licenses, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are also considered acceptable alternatives.
U.S. passport or passport card and DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), Permanent resident card
Are you confused yet? Well so were we. Hopefully the information provided will help,
No Real ID or passport? Expect delays
What we’re watching: TSA says if you don’t have a Real ID or acceptable alternative it would be helpful to bring along “anything that can help us confirm your , such as your name and current address.”
“You may need to undergo identity verification and subject to additional screening,” TSA said on a Reddit “Ask Me Anything” session.
TSA recommends these passengers allow themselves an extra hour to pass through airport security.
“Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (e.g., passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint,” TSA said.
How will airports handle Real ID transition?
All airports are different and have different layouts, so this is a hard question to answer. Our best advice is always get to the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure.
Be on the lookout for signage or TSA officers there helping and guiding passengers to the appropriate areas.
How it works: Go to your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a Real ID.
In some states, you can order a Real ID and others you’ll need to make an appointment with the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The deadline’s approach is causing panic in some states with long lines and high demand for appointments.
The scramble to get appointments has also created a “perfect storm for cybercriminals to take advantage,” Ian Bednowitz, LifeLock general manager, told Axios, noting “scammers are capitalizing on the confusion and urgency.”
Can a temporary Real ID be used to fly? “Temporary paper IDs aren’t accepted at our security checkpoints,” the TSA says, “so you should plan to bring another acceptable form of ID (such as a Passport or military ID) with you to the airport.”
The deadline isn’t pressing for everyone. You only need a Real ID by May 7 if you’re over 18, flying domestically soon and don’t have a passport, or if you have to enter a military base or a secure federal building. However, we recommend your getting one just to be prepared.
Here’s a treat: Krispy Kreme has announced that it is marking the Real ID deadline of May 7 with a free glazed doughnut giveaway, in shop or via drive-thru…no ID or purchase required. Limit one per customer.
If you were able to watch the funeral Mass for Pope Francis, you were probably struck by the white-gloved men in dark suits who were pallbearers and carried his coffin.
They were not just some randomly selected men, the were members of what is known as “The Gentlemen of His Holiness” or “Papal Gentlemen”.
The “Gentlemen of His Holiness” is a group of about 150 “gentlemen” who are lay members of the Pontifical Household. They participate in civil ceremonies and formal receptions for heads of state, heads of government and others. They are responsible for welcoming and escorting dignitaries who visit the Vatican.
The role was established by Pope Paul VI in 1968. It is a local name for the old court position of valet de chambre. The appointee is an unpaid volunteer. To be appointed is an honor.
It is a local name for the old court position of valet de chambre. Often times they are the first faces many see when visiting the Pope’s residence.
The men are part of the pope’s inner circle and are present during key events.
The men also have the duty of acting as pallbearers during a pope’s funeral (as shown here carrying the coffin of Pope Francis at his funeral).
Ever wonder about the difference between a casket and a coffin? Well, here is the difference:
The primary difference between a coffin and a casket lies in their shapeand the way they are designed for viewing the deceased.
Caskets are rectangular with four sides, and often feature a split lid that allows for viewing of the deceased’s upper body.
Coffins are typically tapered, wider at the shoulders than at the feet, have six sides and allow for viewing of the deceased’s entire body, as was the case (among others) in the funerals of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XIV and Pope Francis.
According the Holy See Press Office, here are the details of the funeral of Pope Francis:
The 88-year-old pontiff had been well aware of his fragile state, especially in view of his recent illness. As early as 2015, Pope Francis had expressed the desire to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore), a fifth-century church in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was so devoted to Mary and her basilica that after each of his more than 100 trips abroad, he would visit it after returning to Rome to pray and meditate.
No pope has been buried in Saint Mary Major since the 17th century, when Pope Clement IX was laid to rest there.
The funeral rites take place in three parts, called stations:
The first Station: certifying the death
This takes place in the pope’s private chapel, after medical professionals have certified his death. Until recently, this stage had taken place at the pope’s bedside.
After the body lies in rest in the chapel, the cardinal serving as the pope’s Camerlengo — the pope’s chief of staff — will make the arrangements for the funeral. He is also tasked with running the Vatican until a new pope is elected. The current Camerlengo is Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, appointed by Francis in 2019.
As has been done for centuries, the Camerlengo will formally call the deceased pope by the full name given to him when he was baptized as an infant — Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
Another ancient rite will also take place after the declaration of the pope’s death: the defacing of the pope’s ring. Each pope wears a custom-made ring with an engraved image of a man fishing from a boat, hearkening back to the gospel of Matthew, where Jesus calls St. Peter a “fisher of men.” This Fisherman’s Ring, with the name of the current pope engraved over the image, could act as a seal on official documents. The Camerlengo will break Francis’ ring and smash the seal with a hammer or other instrument to prevent any other person from using it.
The pope’s apartments will also be locked, with no one allowed to enter; traditionally, this was done to prevent looting.
Translation of the body of Pope Francis: Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Catholic Church, presided over the rite of translation of the body of Pope Francis on April 23, which began at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer. The procession then passed through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs and exited through the Arch of the Bells into Saint Peter’s Square and enterd Saint Peter’s Basilica through the central door.
The Second station: Viewing the body
The deceased pope will be dressed in his simple white cassock and red vestments, then placed in a simple wooden coffin. While previous pontiffs, including the late Pope Benedict, have been buried in the traditional triple coffins made of cypress, lead and oak, Francis instead chose a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc. This will be carried in procession to Saint Peter’s Basilica, where the public viewing will take place for the next three days.
Saint Peter’s Basilica will remain open for the faithful who wish to pay their respects to the late Pope on Wednesday April 23 from 11:00 AM to midnight; on Thursday April 24 from 7:00 AM to midnight; and on Friday April 25 from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
The pope’s body will be left in the plain, open casket during this viewing period in order to emphasize the pope’s humble role as a pastor, not a head of state. The earlier practice would have been to place the body on top of a tall raised platform, called a catafalque; this ended with the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI in 2022.
At Francis’ funeral, after the public viewing, a plain white cloth will be placed over the pope’s face as he lies in the oak coffin, a continuing part of papal funerals.
Pope Francis’ coffin to be sealed in rite on Friday evening.
Pope Francis’ coffin will be sealed during a liturgical rite held in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, April 25, at 8:00 PM.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside at the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin of the late Pope Francis, ahead of the papal funeral on Saturday morning. The liturgical rite will be attended by several Cardinals and Holy See officials.
This will mark the end of public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica, which has seen tens of thousands of people pay their respects to the late Pope.
As his mortal remains lie in state, over 50,000 people have filed past the Altar of the Confession in the 24 hours since the Vatican Basilica opened to the faithful on Wednesday morning.
St. Peter’s Basilica remained open until 5:30 AM on Thursday, closing for an hour and a half before reopening at 7:00 AM.
At the Altar of the Confession, the Cardinal Camerlengo presided over the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of which the visits to the body of the Roman Pontiff commenced.
The coffin was sealed during the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin on Friday, April 25.
According to the Vatican News Service, The Office for the Liturgical Celebrations requested the presence of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re, Pietro Parolin, Roger Mahony, Domenique Mamberti, Mauro Gambetti, Baldassare Reina, and Konrad Krajewski for the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin.
Those assisting the Rite also included Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Archbishop Ilson de Jesus Montanari, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, the Canons of the Vatican Chapter, the Ordinary Minor Penitentiaries of the Vatican, the late Pope’s secretaries, and others admitted by the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, Archbishop Diego Ravelli.
The Funeral of Pope Francis:
The funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday April 26 in front Saint Peter’s Basilica. It was earlier thought that it would be inside due to cold weather, but with highs around 70°F (21°C) and there will likely be a large number of people assembled on the plaza.
Masses will continue to be said in Francis’ memory for nine days after his death — a period called the Novendialis. This ritual was inspired by an ancient Roman tradition prescribing a mourning period ending on the ninth day after a death. The Novemdiales Masses will be held each day at 5:00 PM (GMT +2) in St. Peter’s Basilica, except for the Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, which will take place at 10:30 AM in St. Peter’s Square.
Third station: Burial
Most popes are buried in the grottoes underneath Saint Peter’s, and since Pope Leo XIII’s burial at St. John Lateran in 1903, every pope has been buried at Saint Peter’s.
After so many journeys from Rome to visit Catholic communities in countries across the globe, and so many visits to this basilica for prayer and meditation, It seems fitting that, at the end of his life’s journey, Francis would make one last trip to the church he loved so much to be laid to rest forever.
After a few final prayers and sprinkling of holy water, the coffin was placed in its final location inside the church. Only later will the area be opened to the public for prayers and veneration.
Below is the Last Will and Testament of Pope Francis, as published by the Vatican:
Miserando atque Eligendo
In the name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.
As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.
Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest – awaiting the day of the Resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.
I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.
The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.
The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.
May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday morning, April 21, 2025 at 7:35 a.m., following a period of convalescence after a severe respiratory infection.
His death was announced live from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta by Cardinal Kevin Farrell at approximately 9:53 a.m. Rome time, which marked the end of his 12-year pontificate. The Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, released the official medical report on the death of Pope Francis, stating “The cause of Pope Francis’ death has been identified as a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse“.
The Holy See Press Office announced that the rite of ascertainment of death and placement of the late Pope Francis’ body in the coffin took place on Monday at 8:00 PM Rome time. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, presided over the rite in the Chapel of the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Normally according with Church tradition, the body of Pope Francis would have been placed in three coffins, one inside the other. In this case, as has been the case so often with Pope Francis, he broke tradition by asking that his body be places in a single casket lined with Zinc.
In the announcement, the Press Office indicated that those present included the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, and family members of the late Pope Francis, along with Dr. Andrea Arcangeli and Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Director and Deputy Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene, respectively.
The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told journalists that the Pope’s body could be transferred to Saint Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning, so that the faithful may pray before his mortal remains.
“The translation of the Holy Father’s mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica, for the veneration of all the faithful, may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, according to the arrangements that shall be determined and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of the Cardinals,” Mr. Bruni said.
The Catholic Church during the Interregnum:
The term interregnum comes from Latin, from inter- ‘between’ + regnum ‘reign’. and denotes temporary rule between reigns or during suspension of normal government,
The death of Pope Francis sets into motion a series of formalized rites and observances that occur during the interregnum, which begins upon the pontiff’s passing and ends with the election of his successor. The period of time during which the papacy is vacant is known as the sede vacante, Latin for “vacant seat.”
The pope’s death is first ritually verified by the cardinal camerlengo, or chamberlain, who who runs the ordinary affairs of the Vatican city-state during the sede vacante.
In this case, as mentioned above, the cardinal camerlengo is Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, who was Bishop of Dallas, Texas from 2007 to 2016 and has recently occupied several posts in the Vatican.
A traditional nine days of mourning now commences:
The body of Pope Francis will lie in state at Saint Peter’s Basilica for several days.
This allows global dignitaries and heads of state to pay their respects and allow for travel time for the Cardinal-Electors from various countries to get to Rome and attend the funeral.
The Pope’s funeral, which per tradition is held within four to six days of his death, will be on Saturday April 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Saint Peter’s Square.,
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside at the Mass, which will be con-celebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe.
During the interregnum, all cardinals under the age of 80 who are eligible to participate are summoned to Rome to prepare for the secret conclave inside the Sistine Chapel to choose the next pontiff.
The word “conclave” is a Latin noun dating back to ancient Rome meaning a locked room, typically used to store valuables or imprison someone. Here is what to expect in the Conclave:
As of April 21, 2025, there are 252 cardinals, of whom 135 are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope. One Cardinal-Elector, Antonio Cardinal Cañizares Llovera (Spain), seen as arch-conservative has said that, due to health concerns, he will not take part in the upcoming conclave, bringing the number of Cardinal-Electors down to 134.
Another arch-conservative, Vinko Cardinal Puljić (Bosnia & Herzegovina) was erroneously reported as not taking part, but has since confirmed that he will take part in the Conclave.
The conclave typically commences between 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death, which means that the earliest date would likely be May 6. The Cardinals spend the Conclave housed in private rooms in the Domus Marthae Sanctae — essentially a residence hotel in the Vatican with dining facilities that usually houses visiting clergy and laity. Per tradition, the cardinals are cut off from the outside world, including televisions, phones, computers and newspapers, which certainly fits in with the definition of “Conclave”.
Papal conclaves, as a legally mandated process, officially began in 1274 in Viterbo, Italy with Pope Gregory X’s bull Ubi periculum. Prior to this, while papal elections had been held under similar circumstances, this was the first time such a formal requirement was introduced.
Historically most conclaves last a few days, although the longest in history started in 1268 lasted two years and nine months. After several rule changes to speed up the process over time, the average length of a conclave since the beginning of the 20th century has been three day
The Conclave to elect Pope Francis was one of the shortest conclaves in history, lasting just over 24 hours.
The Conclave process explained:
To begin with, a special morning Mass will be held in Saint Peter’s Basilica, after which the cardinal electors will gather inside the Sistine Chapel, which has overseen all papal conclaves since 1858. The conclave will officially begin when the words “extra omnes” (Latin for “everybody out”) are said by the master of the papal liturgical celebrations. This expels everyone but voting cardinals from the Sistine Chapel.
Voting begins as Cardinals vote the first time by writing on a piece of paper headed “Eligo in summen pontificem,” Latin for “I elect as supreme pontiff.” Ballots are then stuffed into an urn and counted.
Three cardinals delegated as scrutineers count the ballots, ensure everyone has voted, each make a count, and then burn the ballots. A two-thirds majority is required for a cardinal to be named the new pope.
After the first day, four ballots will be held each day.
Needless to say, there will be much speculation over the next few days as to who will be selected.
Anyone trying to handicap the outcome should remember that Jorge Mario Bergoglio was considered too old to be elected pope in 2013 at age 76, and that Karol Wojtyla wasn’t on any front-runner lists going into the 1978 conclave that elected him Pope John Paul II. And, of course, the oft-repeated expression: “He who goes in to a Conclave as Pope, comes out a Cardinal“. So, we’re not placing any bets!
For what it’s worth, 108 of the electors were appointed by Pope Francis, 22 by his predecessor Pope Benedict and five by Pope John Paul II.
Scheduled canonization of Carlo Acutis postponed:
Th Canonization of Carlo Acutis had been scheduled for April 27, 2025 and will now have to be postponed, since we have no Pope to proclaim him a saint.
The Holy See Press Office statement reads: “Following the death of Supreme Pontiff Francis, notice is hereby given that the Eucharistic celebration and Rite of Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, scheduled for April 27, 2025, II Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy, on the occasion of the Jubilee of Adolescents, is suspended,”
Mass, without the canonization of Carlo Acutis, will be held in St. Peter’s Square on April 27. No word as to who will be the main celebrant.
This will no doubt disappoint those who have already made arrangements to travel to Rome for the Canonization and are unable to change their plans.
Well, perhaps if they go ahead with their plans to travel to Rome, they might be in Saint Peter’s square and get to hear “Habemus Papam”:…Latin for we have a Pope! That would be quite a treat to be there for a first glimpse of whoever is chosen.
The Jubilee of Teenagers will continue as planned (with a few exceptions):
The first-ever Jubilee of Teenagers figured as one of the most anticipated events of 2025 and is especially dedicated to young people, who will have a unique experience of “faith, spiritual growth, and intercultural exchange.”More than 80,000 teenagers are expected to gather in Rome for the Vatican’s Jubilee of Teenagers (April 25-27), According to the Dicastery for Evangelization, with young people registered from the United States, Brazil, India, Spain, Portugal, France, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Germany, Chile, Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, and Nigeria.
Due to the death of Pope Francis, the following changes will be made to the Jubilee of Teenagers:
Due to the time of mourning, the musical celebration at Circus Maximus scheduled for April 26 at 5 p.m. has also been canceled.
The official program includes several highlights, beginning with the Via Lucis (Way of Light), an act of piety in which the apparitions of the risen Christ are meditated upon, which will take place on April 25 in the EUR neighborhood (now called Europa), just outside Rome.
Saturday, April 26, the pilgrimages to the Holy Door will continue to be on the schedule.
The swearing-in of new members of the Swiss Guard, normally held on May 6, has been cancelled and will be held sometime in the fall.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France has officially recognized the 72nd miracle of Lourdes: the healing of Antonietta Raco, a 67-year-old Italian woman diagnosed with a rare, progressive, and incurable neurological disease that affects movement, speech, and swallowing.
During a pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2009, she experienced a sudden and complete recovery, particularly after visiting the baths.
The cure took place in 2009…why was it just recognized in 2025?
The Lourdes miracle approval process involves a medical investigation by a committee of specialists, followed by an ecclesiastical review by local Church authorities. The process is rigorous and thorough, ensuring that claims of miracles are carefully evaluated against medical standards before being declared supernatural by the Church
The Paris-Chartres Pilgrimage occurs every year on the Saturday before the Feast of Pentecost in early summer. Although primarily for young people, it is a multi-generational, multi-national gathering of Catholics who draw closer to God through the centuries-old act of pilgrimage. The modern, annual three-day Pentecost pilgrimage from Paris to Chartres, often associated with the Latin Mass revival, was established in 1983. The walk is roughly 62 miles over 3 days—beginning at daybreak on the Saturday before Pentecost, and ending with an afternoon mass on the Monday after Pentecost.
The Chartres Pilgrimage Route:
Known as the Pèlerinage de Chrétienté (Pilgrimage of Christendom), organized by the association Notre-Dame de Chrétienté, it is also widely known as the Chartres Pentecost Pilgrimage, taking place annually over the Pentecost weekend. The trek takes 10,000 pilgrims or more from Paris’ Church of Saint-Sulpice at 6 a.m. on June 4 and the journey of faith and foot takes pilgrims through the French countryside to the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres (the pilgrimage used to start at Notre Dame de Paris, but since the fire at Notre Dame in 2019 the starting point has been changed).
Note: In the face of the increase in demand and the logistical limitations of the main route, in 2026 the organization Notre-Dame de Chrétienté announced the creation of an alternative itinerary under the name of “ruta de Jerusalén”. This new route, approximately 43 miles (70 kilometers), which will be more accessible without renouncing the essential elements of the pilgrimage: prayer, community life, and the spirit of sacrifice. The initiative will allow more faithful to fully participate in these days of grace.
Pilgrims are organized into groups of 20-60 people, that are referred to as “chapters”. Participants brave the weather, blisters, and humble food and accommodations as an act of faith and an act of reparation in these modern times.
There is be Solemn Mass every day in the Traditional Roman Rite. Those who join the pilgrimage will have the opportunity to sing and pray in both English, French, and Latin.
On the way of the pilgrimage route the French have the venerable custom of singing the Rosary in French.
The pilgrimage begins on the morning of the Vigil of Pentecost, with Mass. The following day, the Solemnity of Pentecost, Solemn Pontifical Mass will be sung in the French countryside. The concluding Mass will be celebrated the afternoon of Monday, June 9, Pentecost Monday, in Chartres Cathedral.
The theme of this year’s pilgrimage is For our Holy Mother the Church.
It is reported that a record number of pilgrims (approximately 16,000) registered for the pilgrimage in 2025.
Click here for the official Chartres Pilgrimage website in English.
From Vatican News Service regarding Mary, “Mystical Rose”:
The prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith blessed a statue of Mary, “Mystical Rose”:
Statue of Rosa Mystica
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, blessed a statue of “Mary, Mystical Rose” at the Vatican on Monday of Holy Week 2025. The statue, donated by Pope Francis, was placed in a shrine close to the Sacrament Fountain in the Vatican Gardens.
This follows the decision last summer by the Dicastery saying there is no objection to devotion to Our Lady under that title.
Among those present for the blessing, in addition to Cardinal Fernández, were the two secretaries of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Archbishop John Joseph Kennedy and Fr Armando Matteo; as well as the secretary-general of the Governorate of Vatican City State, Archbishop Emilio Nappa.
A ‘green light’ for devotion to Mary, Mystical Rose:
Last July, the Dicastery released a decision, based on the new norms regarding alleged supernatural phenomena, granting the “nulla osta” authorizing public devotion to Mary under the title “Mystical Rose,” in connection with messages purportedly received between 1947 and 1966 by visionary Pierina Gilli.
The decision also permitted the dedication of churches and sacred places to Mary under this title, with the corresponding image.
The judgment of the Dicastery:
In a letter accompanying last July’s decision by the Dicastery, Cardinal Fernández wrote that one does not find “negative moral aspects or other critical aspects related to this spiritual experience” of Pierina Gilli. “Rather,” he said, “one can find several positive aspects that stand out in the messages as a whole.”
The reported apparitions of Mary under the titles of “Mystical Rose” and “Mother of the Church”;
The apparitions are connected to the locality of Fontanelle, located south of the town of Montichiari in the Italian province of Brescia.
The visionary, Pierina Gilli, was born into a peasant family, and worked as a housekeeper and nurse in a hospital, leading a very simple life until her death in 1991 at the age of 80.
Her mystical experiences occurred over two different periods, the first dating back to 1947, when Our Lady is said to have appeared to Pierina, presenting herself under the titles “Mystical Rose” and “Mother of the Church.” On Mary’s white robe, Gilli says she saw three roses: one white, one red and one yellow, symbolising prayer, penance and suffering.
The second cycle of apparitions took in 1966 in Fontanelle. Here, on 13 May, a significant Marian date, Our Lady indicated a particular spring to Pierina as a place of purification and source of graces. As early as 1966, work began on building a sanctuary on the site, which took the form not of a church, but of an open amphitheater. On one side, there is a chapel for the celebration of the Holy Mass; on the other, a second, smaller chapel surrounding the spring indicated by the apparition.
