By Lilla Ross
In his homily at the Memorial Mass for Pope Francis on April 24, Bishop Erik Pohlmeier focused on Jesus Christ’s saving work in the Holy Father’s ministry.
“While we mourn the loss of our Holy Father, we recognize that he spent his entire life preparing for this moment. Everything was directed to the saving work of Jesus,” he said.
Soon after he was named pope, Pope Francis was asked in a major interview, “Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?” He replied, “I am a sinner.” Bishop Pohlmeier noted how this humility pointed to the need for the memorial sacrifice celebrated at every Mass, where “Jesus offers us the Bread of Life, the Eucharist that draws us together.”
Early in his ministry, Pope Francis called for an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, highlighting the saving work of Jesus.
“God as Father has a heart of mercy; Jesus as Savior reflects the face of mercy,” Bishop Pohlmeier said. “We are called to constantly reflect on the mystery of mercy. Part of what should define our lives is how much we depend on that mercy.
“It’s the very mercy of God that gives us life. It is by the mercy of God that, while we are born in sin, we are redeemed by the saving waters of baptism. He gives us the sacraments that nourish us and offers forgiveness when we fall short and turn away from God.”
Pope Francis’ death during the Easter season and the Jubilee Year of Hope directs attention to the promise of new life.
“We should be prepared to speak to the hope that defines our life. We are pilgrims of hope. We stand before the Father with a heart of mercy, and Jesus, who reflects the face of mercy. We connect through our prayer with each other and are given the very heart of mercy in the Eucharist itself,” Bishop Pohlmeier said.
To listen to Bishop Pohlmeier’s full homily, click here.
How to Watch the Funeral Mass of Pope Francis Live
Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will be broadcast and livestreamed by several media outlets Friday, April 26. The Mass begins at 10 a.m. local time in Rome (4 a.m. EDT) in St. Peter’s Square, presided by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
Editor’s Note: Tune in to First Coast News (WTLV-12) this evening, April 25, to hear Father Tom Willis, diocesan director of liturgy, share commentary and insight on the funeral Mass for Pope Francis, which will be celebrated tomorrow.
- Vatican News will livestream the Mass on its YouTube channel.
- OSV News will carry the Vatican News coverage at OSVNews.com.
- The New York Times and other major news outlets will also livestream the Mass.
- ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Britain’s BBC will broadcast the funeral live.
- EWTN will broadcast the funeral Mass live, with coverage beginning at 3 a.m. EDT.
- The Catholic Channel (SiriusXM 129) and Relevant Radio will provide live audio broadcasts beginning at 4 a.m. EDT, with rebroadcasts later in the day.
Pope Francis died Easter Monday, April 21, at age 88. Following the funeral Mass, he will be interred at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. The funeral marks the beginning of the Novendiales, nine days of mourning that include daily Masses for the repose of his soul.
