Requiem Mass at St. Mary Major Basilica marks first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over a Requiem Mass on April 21 at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major to mark the first anniversary of the death of Pope Francis.

The Mass was attended by a large gathering of Church leaders, including 40 cardinals and 35 archbishops and bishops, along with members of the Roman Curia, the diplomatic corps, and hundreds of lay faithful.

In his homily, Cardinal Re reflected on what he described as the dual dimension of Francis’ ministry, calling him a “disciple-missionary,” a term the late Pope often used.

“He remained a disciple of the Lord, faithful to his Baptism and consecration until the very end,” Cardinal Re said. “Yet he was also a missionary, proclaiming the Gospel of mercy to ‘all, to all, to all.’”

He said Francis’ pastoral witness extended globally, not only through his apostolic journeys but also through the final period of his illness and death, which drew widespread attention.

The choice of the basilica carried particular significance. Pope Francis had a longstanding devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and frequently prayed before the icon of the Salus Populi Romani at Saint Mary Major before and after his international trips.

“His devotion to Mary was central to his prayer life,” Cardinal Re said, noting that Francis’ decision to be buried in the basilica reflected that devotion.

During the liturgy, Cardinal Re also conveyed a message from Pope Leo XIV, who expressed his closeness to those gathered and said the memory of his predecessor remains “vibrantly alive in the heart of the Church.”

At the end of the Mass, the cardinals paused in silent prayer at the tomb of Pope Francis before returning to the sacristy. The basilica remained open afterward, with many of the faithful lining up to pray at the tomb.