Pope Francis (1936-2025)

Pope Francis waving with his coat of arms and birth and death dates

Pope Francis, the Catholic Church’s 266th pope, has died at the age of 88. The announcement was made at 9:45 a.m. (3:45 a.m. in Maine) on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.

"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,” the cardinal announced.

Pope Francis led the Catholic Church for 12 years. Then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, SJ, was chosen as pope on March 13, 2013. He was the first pope from the Americas, the first non-European chosen as pope in modern times, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to take the name Francesco or Francis. Pope Francis said he chose the name, thinking of St. Francis of Assisi and his deep concern for the poor.

“For me, he is the man of poverty, the man of peace, a man who loves and protects creation,” the pope said, when explaining why he chose the name.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis never wavered in his commitment to the poor. He encouraged priests and bishops to go among the people, asking them to be shepherds with the “smell of the sheep” (Chrism Mass, March 28, 2013). He visited and spent time with refugees, the homeless, and prisoners, making it a tradition to wash the feet of inmates on Holy Thursday, even doing so in 2024, despite already suffering from health problems.

“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,” said Cardinal Farrell, in announcing the pope’s death.

“He reminded us of the importance of mercy and encouraged us to image God as a merciful father. He encouraged us to be mindful of the poor and marginalized. He called us to greater responsibility in our stewardship of 'our common home,’ the earth. He taught and modeled the importance of listening, dialogue, and fraternity. I’ll never forget watching the livestream of him alone in the drizzling rain outside of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome at the height of COVID, praying before the crucifix and interceding for a world that was filled with fear and uncertainty. Our spiritual father has died. The Church mourns,” said Bishop James Ruggieri.

"In his ministry and across his writings, he has continuously called us to deeper faith and to a more generous participation in the boundless compassion of God. He has challenged us to turn away from selfish impulses and towards communion with others and respect for God’s creation," said Archbishop Richard Henning of Boston.

"As the vicar of Christ and successor of Saint Peter, Pope Francis has shepherded the Church with humility, courage, and a tireless devotion to the Gospel. His passing marks a moment of profound loss and reflection for us all," Father Philip Clement, pastor of the Hancock County parishes in Bar Harbor, Bucksport, and Ellsworth, shared with his parishioners.

God's mercy was such a central focus of Pope Francis' papacy that he proclaimed an extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy from December 8, 2015 - November 20, 2016.

Period of Mourning and Prayer

The Catholic Church now enters a period known as “sede vacante,” Latin for “empty seat” or “vacant seat.” Beginning on the day of the pope's funeral, Saturday, April 26, there will then be a period of nine days of mourning, known as Novemdiales.

“One thing that we can all do collectively in the moment is to pray for the repose of his soul. I would recommend to all in our local Church to offer a spiritual bouquet for his soul by praying the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be whenever possible, today and in these coming days in preparation for his funeral. Also, it is very appropriate to offer the Rosary for the repose of his soul. As we celebrated [on Easter], Jesus has triumphed over sin and death. This great hope, especially in this Jubilee Year of Hope, gives us consolation with the news of our Holy Father’s death. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”

Bishop James Ruggieri celebrated a Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis on Wednesday, April 23, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. More than 350 people attended. [Read more.]

The bishop will celebrate a second Mass on Wednesday, April 30, at 6 p.m. at the Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, 122 Ash Street in Lewiston.

Masses and Prayer Opportunities in the Diocese of Portland

All Saints Parish, Brunswick

A memorial Mass for Pope Francis will be celebrated on May 1 at 6:30 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 39 Pleasant Street in Brunswick.

Holy Family Parish, Greenville

The Rosary will be prayed for Pope Francis at Holy Family Church, 145 Pritham Avenue in Greenville, on Thursday, April 24, at 7:30 a.m. (before the 8 a.m. Mass) on Friday, April 25, at 9 a.m. (following the 8 a.m. Mass and adoration), and on Sunday, April 27, at 7:30 a.m. (before the 8 a.m. Mass.)

Holy Spirit Parish, Wells

A Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26, at 8 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 236 Eldridge Road in Wells.

Parish of the Holy Eucharist, Falmouth

A Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis will be offered on Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. at Holy Martyrs of North America Church, 266 Foreside Road in Falmouth.

All the churches of the parish will be open Tuesday, April 22, for prayer:

Holy Martyrs of North America Church, 266 Foreside Road, Falmouth 7:30 am. to 4 p.m.
Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main Street, Yarmouth - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
St. Gregory the Great Church, 24 North Raymond Road, Gray - 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
St. Jude Church, 134 Main Street, Freeport - 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Parish of the Holy Savior, Rumford

A memorial Mass for Pope Francis will be celebrated on Thursday, May 1, at 11 a.m. at St. Athanasius & St. John Church, 126 Maine Avenue in Rumford.

Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston

A memorial Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis will be celebrated by Bishop James Ruggieri on Wednesday, April 30, at 6 p.m., at the Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, 122 Ash Street in Lewiston.

St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Jackman

The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed for Pope Francis prior to the Sunday, April 27, 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Faustina Church, 370 Main Street in Jackman.

St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, Camden

A Mass for the intention of Pope Francis will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 81 Court Street in Belfast, on Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. The Mass will be preceded at 6 p.m. by a Rosary for Pope Francis using Glorious Meditations that the pope wrote.

St. John Vianney Parish, Fort Kent

A Mass for the intention of Pope Francis will be celebrated on Monday, April 28, at 6 p.m. at St. Louis Church, 26 East Main Street in Fort Kent.

St. Joseph's College of Maine, Standish

Father Patrick Finn will celebrate a Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis on Tuesday, April 29, at noon in Healy Chapel at the St. Joseph's College of Maine campus, 278 Whites Bridge Road in Standish.

St. Joseph Parish, Ellsworth

A Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis will be celebrated on Thursday, May 1, at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, 231 Main Street in Ellsworth

St. Mary of the Visitation Parish, Houlton

A Mass to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 23, at 6 p.m. at St. Mary of the Visitation Church, 110 Military Street in Houlton.

St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor

A Mass to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26, at 9 a.m. at St. John Church, 207 York Street in Bangor.

Funeral and Burial

Pope Francis's body is now in Saint Peter's Basilica where it will lie in an open casket, allowing mourners to pay their respects. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Peter's Square on Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. in Maine). The pope asked to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major due to his deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. He asked to be buried “in the earth, simple, without particular decoration” and with the inscription only reading "Franciscus," his name in Latin. (Testament of the Holy Father Pope Francis)

After the pope's funeral, usually about 15 to 20 days after his death, cardinal electors from around the world will be summoned to the Vatican to meet in a conclave to choose Pope Francis' successor.

Prayer for Pope Francis

O God, immortal shepherd of souls,
look on your people's prayers
and grant that your servant Pope Francis
who presided over your Church in charity,
may, with the flock entrusted to his care,
receive from your mercy
the reward of a faithful steward.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever

(Source: Pope's Missions)

Pope Francis’ Early Years

Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936. He was the son of Italian immigrants. His father was an accountant for the railways, while his mother remained at home caring for her five children.

Following high school, the future pope first pursued chemistry, earning a master’s degree. He then chose the priesthood, entering the Seminary of Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires. He joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958 when he was 21 and was ordained a priest on December 13, 1969.

He made final vows with the Jesuits in April 1973 and three months later was appointed provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina, a position he held for six years.

While in Argentina, he also held several distinguished teaching positions and served as a seminary rector.

In May 1992, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires and five years later was named coadjutor archbishop. The following year, on February 28, 1998, he became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He was created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001.

He was also appointed to several administrative positions in the Roman Curia serving on the Congregation of Clergy, Congregation of Divine Worship and Sacraments, and the Congregation of Institutes of Consecrated Life, among others. He participated in the conclave in 2005 during which Pope Benedict XVI was elected.

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