Prayer for a Deceased Pope 

O God, faithful rewarder of souls, grant that your departed servant, Pope Francis, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of your Church, may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven the mysteries of your grace and compassion, which he faithfully ministered on earth.
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.

Source: Roman Missal

STATEMENTS ON THE DEATH OF POPE FRANCIS

"I have received the news of the death of Pope Francis this morning with sadness.  At the same time, I give thanks to God for his extraordinary life and ministry.  His encouragement that we become missionary disciples, sharing the light of the gospel of Jesus especially with those at the peripheries, has shaped our pastoral vision in the Archdiocese of Omaha.  Just yesterday, Pope Francis welcomed the crowds who celebrated Easter at St. Peter’s in Rome.  We pray that he will now be welcomed by the saints of heaven and by the Lord Jesus, who is gloriously risen from the dead."

Most Rev. George J. Lucas

Apostolic Administrator and 5th Archbishop of Omaha

Pope Francis on March 31, 2025, accepted the resignation of Archbishop Lucas and appointed the Most Rev. Michael McGovern, Bishop of the Diocese of Belleville, to succeed him. Archbishop-designate McGovern shared the following statement with faithful in his diocese. 

"Today, Easter Monday, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88. For many years he generously served the Lord as a Jesuit priest, then as a bishop and cardinal of the Catholic Church. Throughout his life Jorge Mario Bergoglio said “yes” to God’s call and allowed himself to be led by the Lord, all of which prepared him to accept his election as pope by the College of Cardinals on March 13, 2013. Today we pray to God expressing our gratitude for the life, ministry and service of Pope Francis. For the twelve years he served as Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis displayed the heart of a good shepherd in his outreach to the poor and suffering of the world. He worked tirelessly to promote peace and reconciliation at every level of life. I invite the Catholic community of southern Illinois, as well as all people of good will, to join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, and the gift of consolation for his family and all who mourn his passing. May the Risen Christ, whom Pope Francis loved and served with devotion, grant him a place in his heavenly kingdom."

Most Rev. Michael McGovern

Sixth Archbishop of Omaha

Mass for Pope Francis 

Monday, April 21st 

St. Cecilia Cathedral

11:15 a.m.

701 N. 40th St., Omaha, Nebraska