Pope Francis Novena Day 1: You are Peter (April 26, 2025)

From the US Bishops: Pope Francis Novena Day 1. This novena has been prepared to help pray for the Pope during the time of mourning. 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.The entire Church mourns the death of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. In cathedrals, basilicas, parish churches, shrines, and chapels the Holy Eucharist will be offered for the repose of his soul. Communities and individuals will ask God to bestow his infinite mercy on the man who served the Church as Bishop of Rome.When it is that we are not always certain what to do, turning to the Lord in prayer is a good thing. To be reminded of God's love for us, God's care for us. At the same time, as Pope Francis said in the response to the question, "Who is Jorge Bergoglio, he said: "I am a sinner."What this means is that an important part of who we are is our identity as believers. That we stand in need of a savior, who is able to forgive us for our sins. And so below is a novena, a prayer of nine days, or the novendiales, for Pope Francis. Each day of the novendiales we will feature a prayer, with a different theme of prayer for Pope Francis.In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.A reading from the holy Gospel according to MatthewWhen Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (16:13-19)Pause for silent prayer.Pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.— And let perpetual light shine upon him.O God, faithful rewarder of souls,grant that your departed servant Pope Francis,whom you made successor of Peterand shepherd of your Church,may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaventhe mysteries of your grace and compassion,which he faithfully ministered on earth.Through Christ our Lord. Amen.