Catholic Bishops’ Conference to hold national memorial mass in honour of Pope Francis

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has announced to all priests, religious, and lay faithful that a series of solemn activities will be held to honour the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away earlier on Monday, April 21, 2025.

The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis in the morning of Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.

Pope Francis had been unwell and experienced a string of health worries in recent years and spent 38 days in hospital in February and March 2025.

In an statement released on the website of the GCBG and signed by President of the GCBC and Catholic Bishop of Sunyani, Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the GCBC asked all bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful across the local church in Ghana to offer prayers for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.

These activities lined up include: A National Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date to be determined. All bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful who are able to attend will be warmly invited to participate in this solemn liturgy.

“All archdioceses, dioceses, and parishes are encouraged to organize local Requiem Masses and special Holy Hours in honour of Pope Francis. These should be moments of prayerful reflection on his teachings and witness.

“Schools, seminaries, and other Catholic institutions may wish to host prayer services, talks, or discussions to help the faithful, especially the young, to appreciate the life and legacy of Pope Francis,” part of the statement read.

The GCBC also called on all members of the Church to pray for the global Church as it prepares to elect the next Pope.

“May the Lord, whom he served so faithfully and joyfully, welcome him into the eternal joy of His heavenly kingdom,” the statement concluded.

Pope Francis served as the 266th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, leaving behind a legacy marked by simplicity, dialogue, and a deep concern for the marginalized.

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