Pope Francis, also known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in Argentina, was the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff in history. In 2013, he assumed leadership of the Catholic Church following the resignation of Benedict XVI. He will be remembered for his close pastoral style and his push for a poor and missionary Church.
His passing leaves the seat vacant, and during this period, the cardinal camerlengo will temporarily administer the Vatican until the conclave is held to elect his successor. The primate archbishop of Mexico, Carlos Aguiar Retes, called for a Eucharist in memory of Pope Francis following his death at the age of 88.
The mass will take place at the Insigne and National Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe and is intended for faithful, religious communities, and priests who wish to attend. In a statement, Cardinal Aguiar Retes expressed his confidence that the pope has been welcomed by the Risen Christ into the fullness of His Kingdom.
He also urged the priests of the Primatial Archdiocese of Mexico to celebrate the Holy Mass for the eternal rest of the pontiff in their parishes and asked the faithful to spiritually join in prayer. He reminded that Pope Francis urged the Church to walk in synodality, care for our common home, and never forget the most vulnerable.
The archbishop also highlighted the pope's devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe, whom he sought for comfort and guidance. His life was a constant call to conversion, fraternity, hope, and synodality. Aguiar Retes described Francis as a compassionate and close shepherd who represented living signs of the Risen One among the people.
In his statement, the cardinal emphasized: "I had the grace to know him closely and to share with him moments of communion, listening, and pastoral discernment. His clear word, compassionate heart, and tireless commitment to a close, poor, and missionary church were living signs of the Risen One among the people." The message concluded with a paschal expression that marks the beginning of the week: Christ has risen!
