Religious Education

What happens after the burial of Pope Francis?  

Many of the students have naturally asked questions about what happens after the death, funeral and burial of Pope Francis.  

The Catholic Church is currently in a time of novendiales, which is a period of nine days to mourn the death of Pope Francis. This is a time of personal and communal prayer to remember the life of Pope Francis.

The following link comes from the Melbourne Catholic website and helps to explain the nine day mourning period 

https://melbournecatholic.org/news/what-happens-now-the-novendiales-explained  

While we are sad that Pope Francis has died, there is also a sense of excitement as the cardinals gather to pray and discuss the election of the new pope to lead the Catholic Church.        

On Thursday 7 May, the cardinals will begin the Conclave, the process of electing a new pope. The following link from the Vatican website provides a brief outline of the proess and the people involved in the election of the new pope. 

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/conclave-who-will-elect-the-next-pope.html 

Pope Francis' Prayer Intention for May

Pope Francis published his prayer intentions for each month at the beginning of the year. To honour the memory of Pope Francis, we will continue to publish his monthly prayer intentions until the new pope releases his monthly prayer intentions.  Please try to find some quiet time in your busy day to pray this prayer. Thank you. 

For working conditions

Let us pray that through work, 

each person might find fulfillment, 

families might be sustained in dignity, 

and that society might be humanized. 

Amen

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

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, 

through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

Amen.