Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, will serve as the principal celebrant of the Diocese of St. Augustine’s 35th Annual Red Mass on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 121 East Duval St., Jacksonville. Bishop Erik T. Pohlmeier will join him as concelebrant of the Mass.
Cardinal Pierre, who was named a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, has served as the pope’s representative to the United States since 2016. In his diplomatic role, he acts as the Holy Father’s liaison to both the Catholic Church and the U.S. government. His distinguished career includes service as Apostolic Nuncio to Mexico, Uganda and Haiti, and diplomatic assignments in New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Brazil and Switzerland.
“Cardinal Pierre’s visit is a profound blessing for our diocese,” said Bishop Pohlmeier. “His ministry reflects the Holy Father’s call for unity and dialogue in the Church and the world, and we are honored to welcome him during this Jubilee Holy Year.”
The celebration coincides with the 2025 Jubilee Holy Year. Pope Francis has declared this a time of reconciliation, pilgrimage and renewal, inviting Catholics to be “Pilgrims of Hope” who bring the joy of faith into daily life.
The Red Mass is a centuries-old tradition dating to the 13th century in Europe, where clergy and members of the legal community gathered to invoke the Holy Spirit’s guidance at the start of the judicial year. The name refers to the red vestments worn by clergy and the scarlet robes of judges, symbolizing the fire of the Holy Spirit and the call to justice—even at the cost of one’s life.
In Florida, Red Masses are held annually in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Miami, and other cities, bringing together judges, attorneys, public officials and community leaders to pray for wisdom and integrity in public service. All are welcome to attend the Mass. An invitation-only reception, hosted by the Catholic Lawyers Guild, will follow.
