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THE PASSING OF POPE FRANCIS

APRIL 21, 2025

Faithful People of Saint Thomas More,


While the Church has just entered into its most joyous week of the year - the Easter Octave - we simultaneously grieve the death of Pope Francis with nine days of mourning.


Below are some ways that the community can individually and communally honor Pope Francis' life. Requiescat in pace.


- Fr. Justin

Honoring Pope Francis' life

Bells will Toll for One Minute...

Pope Francis' body will begin to lie in state this Wednesday, April 23rd, in Rome. The Church bells will toll for one minute following Wednesday's 8:15AM Mass. The School Community will hold that as a moment of silence, and pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.

STM Green Team Showing of "We Are All Plastic People Now"

10:15-11:15AM, Sunday, April 27th in More Hall- Pope Francis' 2016 Encyclical, Laudato Si', ("Care for Our Common Home"), was an urgent invitation for individuals of good will to redouble their efforts to be attentive stewards of nature. Our STM Green Team presents this Emmy award winning documentary on the impact of plastic on our environment and health.

Mass for the Dead, 8:15AM, Wednesday, April 30th

The School community will gather for their usual School Mass on Wednesday, April 30th at 8:15AM and celebrate a Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, following the nine days (Novemdiales) of mourning. All members of the community are welcome to join us.

Pray with the Vocations Crucifix for a Week

to Pray for Vocations - Pope Francis spoke eloquently about his encounter with God's mercy in the confessional, which stirred him to consider a call to the priesthood. Pray intentionally for others to be stirred to serve God in a religious vocation! Sign up for any Sunday Mass to participate in this Easter Offering with a Crucifix from our STM Vocations Committee.

Sign up

Mass for the Election of a New Pope

8:15AM, Wednesday, May 7th - As the Conclave prepares to gather, the community will use the prayers for the election of a new pope as we pray for a new shepherd for the Catholic Church.

Make a Donation to Neighbors in Need.

Pope Francis' focus on the marginalized stirred many in our world to more clearly see the face of Christ in the materially poor. Help STM continue to meet the needs of those who approach us for assistance.

Donate to Neighbors in Need

Read Up on Pope Francis' Documents

click on the Vatican links for Pope Francis' writings, including:

READ Lumen Fidei, "The Light of Faith" (2013)
READ Evangelii Gaudium, "The Joy of the Gospel" (2014)
READ Laudato Si', "Care for Our Common Home" (2015)
READ Fratelli Tutti, "Brothers All" (2020)
Watch Bishop Johnston's Local TV Interview Following Pope Francis' Death