Rosary For Pope Francis: Cardinals Lead Prayers & News On EWTN
Could the simple act of prayer, specifically the Rosary, truly offer solace and connection during times of profound loss and spiritual reflection? The answer lies in the enduring power of faith and the collective comfort found in shared prayer, as evidenced by the global response following the passing of Pope Francis.
The echoes of mourning, remembrance, and faith reverberated through the Vatican and around the world in late April, as the global Catholic community mourned the loss of Pope Francis. A series of prayer services were organized to honor his life and legacy. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle led the fourth evening Rosary in remembering Pope Francis on Thursday evening, April 24th. This solemn prayer, a familiar comfort to Catholics worldwide, took place at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, the very place where Pope Francis will be laid to rest following the funeral on Saturday, April 26th. The act of gathering in prayer demonstrated the deep respect and love felt for the late pontiff.
These services were a continuation of a profound spiritual response that began with the announcement of Pope Francis passing on Monday. The Vatican immediately became a focal point for prayer and reflection. On that Monday evening, a rosary was prayed in St. Peter's Square, a testament to the immediate outpouring of grief and the need for collective spiritual comfort. The rosary was also led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re on April 22, 2025, one day after the death of Pope Francis.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | Announced on April 21, 2025, Vatican City |
| Age at Death | 88 |
| Previous Roles | Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal |
| Election as Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Pontificate Theme | Mercy, compassion, and outreach to the poor and marginalized |
| Notable Actions | Emphasized the importance of the environment, called for reform within the Church, and promoted dialogue with other faiths. |
| Illness | Double pneumonia (serious bout) |
| Burial Location | Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Rome |
| Reference Website | Vatican Website |
The faithful were also encouraged to participate in a worldwide Rosary for Pope Francis, starting at 9 p.m. Rome time on the day of his passing. This provided an opportunity for Catholics across the globe to unite in prayer, demonstrating the universality of the Church and the shared experience of loss. A printable guide to the Rosary was offered to help those unfamiliar with the prayer. The call to prayer came at a time when Pope Francis himself had encouraged Catholics to rediscover the beauty of the Rosary. He even suggested that people carry a Rosary with them, emphasizing its accessibility and the comfort it could bring in everyday life.
The Rosary, a prayer steeped in tradition, has a profound history within Catholicism. Pope Francis, in his teachings, often emphasized its significance as a "synthesis of the history of God's mercy." The prayer, with its meditative repetition and focus on key events in the lives of Jesus and Mary, offers a pathway to spiritual contemplation. Pope Francis composed two prayers that can be prayed at the end of the Rosary. These were intended to provide a more intimate and personal reflection and have been encouraged for use by the faithful.
The events surrounding the Popes passing and the subsequent memorial observances highlighted several important aspects of the Catholic faith. The nightly Rosary, a tradition often observed during times of trial, was organized by the Vatican to provide comfort and spiritual support. Starting on February 24th, Cardinals in Rome led a nightly Rosary for Pope Francis, with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, presiding over the inaugural gathering. These prayers, initially held in St. Peter's Square, were later moved indoors to the Paul VI Hall to ensure continued accessibility, especially during adverse weather.
This nightly prayer vigil was a direct response to the Pope's declining health, which included a stay at Rome's Gemelli Hospital in February, beginning on the 14th, due to breathing difficulties. The prayers reflected the Church's commitment to caring for its leaders and its members and underscored the importance of prayer as a source of strength and healing. The Vatican provided regular updates on the Pope's condition, ensuring that the faithful remained informed and could continue to offer their prayers and support. The recent updates revealed the Pope rested well.
The movement of the nightly rosary showed how the church was providing support to Pope Francis. Initially, the rosary was held outside but later moved inside the Paul VI Hall at 18:00 starting March 10. The change also demonstrated flexibility and commitment to continuing prayer, regardless of location or circumstance. This further emphasized the central role of prayer in the lives of Catholics.
In a time of global reflection and spiritual unity, the Catholic Church's response to the passing of Pope Francis became a global event. The use of the Rosary was a common theme for remembrance and comfort. The Rosary's accessibility and spiritual importance made it a powerful tool for those mourning the loss of their leader.
The events were broadcast globally, allowing people to join the prayers from wherever they were. EWTN (EWTN Global Catholic Network), in its 40th year, is the largest religious media organization, aired the Rosary daily from Rome at 3 p.m. Eastern. These broadcasts served as a source of information and a focal point for collective prayer. EWTN also provided a subscription service to its YouTube channel to stay updated with the latest news and the ongoing prayers.
As the world prepares to welcome a new pontiff, the legacy of Pope Francis remains, particularly his call for all to carry a Rosary and to pray it regularly. His work emphasizes the importance of faith and the act of gathering in prayer.
The call to prayer extends beyond the physical gatherings. Online platforms and social media channels hosted prayer sessions, including Today's rosary on YouTube which creates a peaceful environment for viewers to follow and pray the Holy Rosary. People from all over the world were able to join the prayers, united by faith. From Rome to Manila, Sydney, and beyond, the recitation of the Rosary became a symbol of unity.
The message is clear: the Rosary is a source of comfort and strength during times of joy and sorrow. The Catholic Church's response, organized with love and with a clear sense of duty to the people, has shown how faith provides hope.
