Letter from Bishop Rojas

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Today, we have received the sad news of the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. Let us, in our local Church, yet united with all believers around the world as the Body of Christ, lift up our prayers for his eternal rest.

"Eternal rest grant unto Him O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in Peace. 
Amen!"

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DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO

Memorial Mass for
+Pope Francis

Friday, April 25th | 1:00 p.m.

Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral

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Memorial Masses for Pope Francis

Following the Mass of Resurrection for Pope Francis on April 26 our Universal Church will enter a nine-day period of mourning. The diocese will offer a Mass each evening during this Novena at churches across our six vicariates. 
The schedule is as follows:

Hesperia

Date: April 26, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location:​ Holy Family Catholic Church

Riverside

Date: April 27, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location:​ St. Thomas the Apostle Chucrh

Wildomar

Date: April 28, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location:​ St. Francis of Rome Catholic Church

Riverside

Date: April 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location:​ St. Andrew Newman Center

Chino Hills

Date: April 30, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Location:​ St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church

San Bernardino

Date: May 1, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM Spanish Mass
Location:​ Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church

Palm Desert

Date: May 2, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location:​ Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Ontario

Date: May 3, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM Vietnamese Mass
Location:​ St. George Catholic Church

San Bernardino

Date: May 4, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location:​ Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral

Deus, qui inter summos Sacerdótes fámulum tuum Papa Franciscus, ineffabili tua dispositióne connumerári voluisti: praesta, quaesumus; ut qui unigéniti Fílii tui vices in terris gerébat, sanctórtum tuórum Pontíficum consórtio perpétuo aggregétur, 
Per eúmdem Dóminum
Amen.

O God, who by Thine ineffable providence was pleased to number Thy servant Pope Francis, amongst the sovereign pontiffs; grant, we beseech Thee, that he who reigned as the vicar of Thy Son on earth, may be joined in fellowship with Thy holy pontiffs for evermore. 
Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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Walk in Humil​ity

A Faithful Witness of Christ. Pope Francis lived as a humble servant, always pointing toward Christ through his actions. His love for the Gospel was evident in his care for the poor, his joy in evangelization, and his desire for a more merciful Church. Even in the face of criticism, he never wavered in his mission to bring people closer to God. As he wrote in Gaudete et Exsultate,

“We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do.”

Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortations

Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortations offer a heartfelt invitation to live with faith, joy, and compassion in a world that longs for hope. Evangelii Gaudium calls all people to embrace the joy of the Gospel and share God’s love with others. Amoris Laetitia reflects on the beauty and struggles of family life, reminding us that love is at the heart of human relationships. In Gaudete et Exsultate, he challenges us to seek holiness in everyday life, showing that even simple acts of kindness can bring us closer to God.

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Church Protocols for Mourning and Electing a New Pope

When a Pope dies, a period of mourning called "sede vacante" begins, followed by a nine-day mourning period ("Novendiale") and a papal funeral, after which a conclave elects a new Pope.

1. Death Confirmation and Initial Protocol:
  • Camerlengo's Role: The Camerlengo (Chamberlain) verifies the death, traditionally by tapping the Pope's forehead with a silver hammer and calling out his baptismal name three times, though this practice has been discontinued and medical confirmation is now used. 
  • Sealing of Apartments: The Camerlengo seals the papal apartments and offices, a symbolic act signifying the end of the Pope's rule. 
  • Notification: The Camerlengo informs senior church officials and the public of the death. 

2. Sede Vacante and Novendiale: 

  • Sede Vacante: The period of "sede vacante" (Latin for "vacant seat") begins, marking a transitional period where the College of Cardinals temporarily holds power, but major decisions are delayed until a new Pope is elected.
  • Novendiale: A nine-day period of mourning, known as the Novendiale, is observed. 

3. Papal Funeral: 

  • Timing: The papal funeral typically takes place 4 to 6 days after the death.  
  • Location: The funeral mass is held in St. Peter's Square.
  • Rituals: The body is placed in a coffin, which is then closed after the funeral mass.
  • Burying: The Pope is buried in the Vatican Grottoes, though Pope Francis has requested to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

4. Conclave and Election of a New Pope: 

Conclave: After the funeral and mourning period, the College of Cardinals convenes in a conclave, a secretive process where they elect a new Pope. 

  • Voting: Cardinals vote in multiple rounds, with a two-thirds majority required to elect a new Pope. 
  • Smoke Signals: Black smoke signals an inconclusive vote, while white smoke signals the election of a new Pope. 
  • Sistine Chapel: The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals are cut off from the outside world.