By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Apr 24, 2025 / 13:46 pm
After the passing of Pope Francis, the Vatican has revealed the cardinals who will lead the traditional “Novendialies” Masses – a period of nine days of mourning with solemn Masses dedicated to the soul of the deceased pope.
Following ancient tradition, each day of the Novendiales features a requiem Mass based on the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (2024). While these Masses are open to the public, they are themed around specific communities or groups connected to the pope’s ministry, ranging from the Diocese of Rome to the Eastern Churches.
The first Novendiales Mass will be the funeral of Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, marking the beginning of the nine days of mourning which will conclude on Sunday, May 4.
The second Novendiales Mass will also take place in St. Peter’s Square, involving thousands of young people participating in the ongoing Jubilee of Teenagers, which was initially planned to include the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis. The day following the funeral will also be a Novendiales Mass specifically for Vatican employees and their families.
From April 26 to May 4, the remaining Masses will be held in the evenings inside St. Peter’s Basilica, each led by a different cardinal and dedicated to a specific group within the Church.
