Liturgical Commemoration During the Sede Vacante at the Holy See

It is with deep sadness that we have received the news that Pope Francis has fallen asleep at 7:35 am Rome time April 21, 2025, at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, at the age of 88 years, the twelfth year of his pontificate.

At this time, the Catholic Church enters into a nine-day period of mourning called novendiales.

Liturgical commemoration:

  1. According to our liturgical tradition, with the death of the Bishop of Rome, the commemoration of the Pope ceases until the new Bishop of Rome is elected. At this time, commemoration of the hierarchy begins with that of the Patriarch:

“For our most blessed Patriarch Sviatoslav, our most Reverend Metropolitan Archbishop Borys, …” (Litany of Peace)
“We also pray for our most blessed Patriarch Sviatoslav, …” (Litany after the Gospel reading)
“May the Lord God remember in His Kingdom our most blessed Patriarch Sviatoslav, …” (the Great Entrance)
“Among the first, remember, O Lord, our most blessed Patriarch Sviatoslav, …” (Commemoration of the Hierarchy during the Anaphora).

  1. On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the day of Pope Francis’ funeral after the liturgy the Panakhyda Service should be celebrated for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.
  2. On Thomas Sunday, April 27, 2025, I request in all the churches of St. Josaphat Eparchy after all liturgies the Panakhyda Service to be celebrated for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis with the participation of the faithful.
  3. Starting with Sunday, April 27, the petition for the election of the new Supreme Pontiff should be included in all liturgies in the Litany after the Gospel reading.

“We also pray to the Lord our God for the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit in the election of the Universal Pontiff, the Pope of Rome, that he may be a good shepherd for the Church of Christ and a servant to the servants of God, O Lord, hear us and have mercy”

Conclusion:

May God receive the soul of his faithful servant, Pope Francis, in his Fatherly embrace and reward him for his priestly and Petrine ministry!

May his memory be Eternal!
Christ is risen!

Sincerely yours,

+Bohdan J. Danylo

Bishop of St. Josaphat Eparchy