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In Memory of Pope Francis

The Mark He Left and His Legacy to the Governorate

Pope Francis passed away peacefully this morning, Monday, April 21, at 7:35 a.m.
He gave himself completely to the Church, to his brothers and sisters, and to humanity. His heart has ceased to beat, but his voice will echo forever in the minds of the men and women of our time, in those who had the privilege to hear his words, to witness his prophetic gestures, and to follow his Magisterium.

Until the end, he continued to serve the Church, never taking time for himself, as the needs of the Church were always his priority. Just as he consistently asked others to reject a throwaway mentality and to never discriminate, he never held back in proclaiming God’s mercy to the world. He made this the central theme of his pontificate.

Holy Saturday: Waiting Before the Sepulchre

Between the Eucharistic celebration of Holy Thursday and that of the Easter night, the Church does not celebrate the Eucharist. It relives the mystery of Jesus’ burial, when everything seems to be over. It is the day when Christ descends into the netherworld to reward the hope of the righteous ones of old, held captive by the chains of death. 

GOOD FRIDAY: The Hour of the Passion and the Cross

“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son. Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. (John 19:25-27)

Blessing of the Statue of the Virgin Mary Rosa Mystica

A statue of Mary Rosa Mystica (Mystic Rose) was blessed in the Vatican on Monday, April 14, by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The ceremony was attended by Archbishop Emilio Nappa, Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, along with the two Secretaries of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Monsignor John Joseph Kennedy and Father Armando Matteo.