A Moving Requiem Mass for Pope Francis

A deeply moving and solemn Requiem Mass for the late Pope Francis was held at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich on Thursday 24 April, led by Bishop Peter Collins.

Clergy from across the Diocese gathered in prayerful remembrance, including Bishop Emeritus Alan Hopes, to honour the life and legacy of the Holy Father. Before the Mass began, the faithful queued quietly to sign the book of condolences placed at the front of the nave — an act of personal tribute that spoke volumes of the affection in which Pope Francis was held.

The Gospel reading, taken from Luke 24:35–48, recounted the Risen Christ appearing to His disciples, offering them His peace, and asking for food to eat as a sign of His bodily resurrection. He then opened their minds to understand the Scriptures and commissioned them to preach repentance and forgiveness in His name. This passage, echoing themes of hope, revelation and mission, was particularly poignant in light of Pope Francis’ own ministry — a life rooted in proclaiming the Gospel, healing division, and embodying God’s mercy.

In his homily, Bishop Peter Collins reflected with great depth on the theme of hope, one of the three theological virtues and a defining thread of Pope Francis’ pontificate. Bishop Peter described Pope Francis as a “prophetic voice of hope for the whole of humanity”, and reminded the congregation that hope is what binds faith with charity. He quoted the Catechism of the Catholic Church, noting that hope sustains us in abandonment, purifies our aspirations, and lifts our hearts towards eternity.

Bishop Peter spoke movingly of Pope Francis as a humble shepherd, a “servant of the servants of God” who, even in frailty, continued to pour himself out in service — most recently blessing the crowds from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday. Reflecting on the Pope’s final days, Bishop Peter remarked that we may well wonder what insight Francis held as he took his last journey across the cobbles of St Peter’s Square — faithfully, lovingly tending his flock to the very end.

The homily also recalled Pope Francis’ passionate advocacy for justice, care for creation, and solidarity with the poor, often drawing on the imagery of St Francis of Assisi and the Psalms to express humanity’s dignity and its responsibility as stewards of God’s earth. Quoting Laudato Si’, Bishop Peter reiterated the Pope’s urgent plea to listen to the cry of the earth and to change our ways.

The Mass, celebrated within the joy of the Easter Octave, was imbued with both sorrow and resurrection hope. It was a fitting liturgical tribute to a Pontiff who constantly called the Church to missionary discipleship, to embrace the marginalised, and to walk forward as “pilgrims of hope.”

As the faithful joined in final prayers for Pope Francis, Bishop Peter entrusted the Holy Father to the mercy of God, praying that he may take his place at the eternal banquet of heaven.

Further Tribute in Ecumenical Vespers Tonight

As the Diocese continues to mark this time of mourning and thanksgiving, all are warmly invited to attend an Ecumenical Solemn Vespers at 18:00 evening, Friday 25 April, at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist. Local ecumenical leaders and civil dignitaries will join together in prayer and reflection, offering a shared witness to the unity Pope Francis so often championed. The service promises to be a powerful moment of ecumenical solidarity, gratitude, and hope.

Requiescat in pace, Pope Francis. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen. Alleluia!

Photographs from the Requiem Mass are available here.

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