Pray for Pope Francis

As a Catholic community, we are invited into a sacred time of prayer and reflection with the passing of our beloved Pope Francis. As we honor his remarkable life and legacy, we also accompany the Church in the sacred process of electing a new Pope. Throughout the week, students are invited to stop by our Mercy Chapel at any time to offer prayers for Pope Francis and for the Cardinals who will gather in conclave, that they may be guided by the Holy Spirit in their discernment.

The Archdiocese of Detroit offers a Novena in Memory of Pope Francis found here. “The daily novena – lasting for the novendiales period from April 26 to May 4, 2025 – consists of a short reading from Scripture or some other ecclesiastical text and some brief prayers, including orations drawn from the Roman Missal and the Order of Christian Funerals.” 

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April 21, 2025

We join together to remember and mourn our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. As a Mercy community grounded in faith, we feel this loss deeply. We hold gratitude for the witness of his life, for the legacy of his leadership, and for the hope he inspired in millions around the world. His words challenged us to be bold in mercy and gentle in judgment, reminding us that true strength is found in service and love. 

Merciful God,

We thank You for the gift of Pope Francis;

our humble shepherd and servant leader.

Through his words and witness,

he taught us to walk the path of mercy,

to uplift the vulnerable, and to see Your face in all people.

Today, we unite our hearts in prayer;

with the entire Church and the world,

grateful for his life, his courage, and his compassion.

We take comfort in knowing that he now rests in Your eternal peace.

May we continue the transformative mission he so faithfully lived;

to be instruments of Your love,

messengers of hope,

and builders of peace in our world.

Guide us, Lord,

as we honor his memory not just in word,

but in the way we live and love each day.

Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Amen.