First anniversary of the death of Pope Francis

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you; carefully consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). Deep and heartfelt are the sentiments of gratitude for the late Pope Francis, who returned to the House of the Father on the morning of Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Domus Sanctae Marthae.

To commemorate him and to thank God for having given him to His Church and to the world, the President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State and the Secretaries General will take part, on Tuesday afternoon, April 21, in the Rosary and Holy Mass at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

On this occasion, a commemorative plaque is unveiled on the right side of the Pauline Chapel in the Basilica, marking the special bond between Pope Francis and the icon of the Salus Populi Romani. The inscription on the plaque, in Latin, reads: “Francis, Supreme Pontiff, who paused 126 times in devout prayer at the feet of the Salus Populi Romani, by his will rests in this Papal Basilica. April 26, 2026. First anniversary of his death.”