“Pray for me”

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis

Pope Francis died on the Monday after Easter Sunday. He had been present in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, greeting the faithful on this, the greatest feast of the Christian year.

The heart of the message of the Church to the world is that Jesus Christ was not only crucified as an act of atonement for the sins of humanity but rose from the dead.

Our first reading this evening describes St Peter speaking to a pagan, Cornelius, and his household, and we can see clearly the proclamation not only that Jesus had risen from the dead but that he, Cornelius, could participate in the redemption won for us. St Peter says to Cornelius, “all who believe in Jesus will have their sins forgiven through his name”. In other words, any person coming to faith can be reconciled with God. This reconciliation offers the means by which a person can themselves be taken up into the power of the resurrection.

It has been this message that has caught fire in the hearts of millions down through the centuries. Tonight, we pray that Pope Francis will experience the saving power of God available to all who believe.

As we gather tonight, we firstly pray for Pope Francis and, secondly, we have a moment to recall his contribution to the life and mission of the Church especially during the twelve years of his pontificate. Already many words have been spoken at Masses and in the media. I offer some thoughts on this occasion.

A Pope firstly serves the work of the Church, but he is also a significant figure on the world stage. His death and funeral on Saturday have caused widespread interest beyond just Catholic circles.

The commentary on his life focus on some very clear elements to his personality and spirituality. Above all else stands the appreciation of him as a man with a deep compassion for those disadvantaged and struggling. He often spoke of going ‘to the peripheries’, and he led by example. Even last Holy Thursday, despite his weakened condition, he washed the feet of prisoners at a jail in Rome.

While he did visit major cities and places of influence, his interest was in nations and people not at the centre of geopolitical events. His last major trip was to visit East Timor and Papua New Guinea. He visited Mongolia and Iraq. Over the years he has appointed Cardinals from places like Myanmar, Mongolia, Iraq, Indonesia, East Timor, Tonga and Lithuania.

Pope Francis had a special concern for the wellbeing of migrants and refugees, challenging governments to do more to care for them.  His first trip as pope was to the Italian Island of Lampedusa where there were thousands of African migrants who had crossed the Mediterranean often in dangerous transport.

He looked for ways to reach out to those that society was leaving behind. In Rome he established shelters for the homeless, even arranging the provision of barbers.

The Gospel chosen for tonight’s Mass reflects the spirit of Pope Francis. The Lord said, “I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me”. Pope Francis embraced this teaching of the Lord.

Another notable aspect to his legacy was his intention to live a humble way of life. He did not move into the Papal Apartments but chose to live in Santa Marta along with other clergy serving in Rome. He preferred simple modes of transport. In other words, he sought to live Gospel simplicity. He took the name Francis in honour of the great saint from Assisi who radically embraced humility and poverty.

As we reflect on his life what is in evidence is that he looked to the example of Christ as his model. Christ was comfortable among the poor and was accused of eating with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus taught that there is a blessedness in being poor, meek, and enduring injustice.

In this Pope Francis was a great witness to the world.

In all these and so many other ways Pope Francis had endeared himself to people, both inside and outside the Church. He loved meeting ordinary people. He often arranged phone calls and meetings with individuals with whom he had developed a special interest.

Pope Francis was aware of those who felt outside the flow of society and the Church. He was conscious of those struggling with issues of sexuality and sexual attraction, and those Catholics who had remarried in a civil ceremony. While he did not change Church teaching, he did want to show his genuine appreciation for their struggles. He urged Catholics to accompany people who found themselves on the margins of the Church. In this he witnessed to pastoral solicitude for those whose lives were not in full conformity with the Church and its teaching.

Pope Francis continued the practice of recent popes in reaching out ecumenically to other Christian faiths, especially Orthodox Christians. He enjoyed an affectionate bond with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. He also made important overtures to the Islamic world. He visited a number of key Islamic leaders. He sought to forge links in the effort to promote greater international fraternity.

He has shown a deep concern for the environment and his letter, Laudato si, has been very influential in encouraging greater concern for ‘our common home’. 

On the night of his election as he stood on the balcony over the large, assembled crowd, before giving them his blessing, he asked them to pray for him and he bowed his head in silence. Often, he repeated this request, “pray for me”. He said it to me more than once. So, tonight, in this Mass, let us respond to his request. We pray for the repose of his soul.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.

Archbishop Julian Porteous

Monday, 28 April 2025