Monday, April 27, 2026

Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (1st edition): Translation of the body of the Supreme Pontiff to the Vatican Basilica

Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis
(First edition, 2000)


SECOND STATION
IN THE VATICAN BASILICA

***

INFORMATIVE NOTE

9. Second Station. This takes place in the Vatican Basilica and includes the transfer of the body of the Supreme Pontiff from the papal household to the Vatican Basilica and the Funeral Mass with the final commendation and farewell.

10. On the day and at the time established by the Congregation of Cardinals, the body of the Supreme Pontiff is transported in procession from the house, presided over by the Cardinal Camerlengo, and is opened by a brief pontifical rite to the Vatican Basilica (cf. Universi Dominici Gregis, no. 13), the opening rite, followed by the procession.

As the coffin enters the Vatican Basilica, the Litany of the Saints is sung. Once the coffin is placed in the place established by the Congregation of Cardinals, the rite of translation concludes with a brief Liturgy of the Word or with the celebration of the Eucharist.

11. Until the celebration of the Funeral Mass, while the faithful go to visit the body of the Roman Pontiff, prayers are recited and liturgical celebrations are held.

***

Translation of the body of the Supreme Pontiff
to the Vatican Basilica

62. On the day and at the hour established for the transfer by the Cardinals of the Congregation (cf. Universi Dominici Gregis n. 13), the following go to the appointed place: the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church; the Cardinal Camerlengo, who wears the red cope and presides over the procession, together with the deacon and the ministers; and all those to whom it pertains, according to the notification of the Master of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.


63. The transfer of the body of the Supreme Pastor to the Vatican Basilica takes place according to the customs of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.


64. When everyone has gathered, the choir sings the antiphon:

Ego sum resurréctio et vita:
qui credit in me, étiam si mórtuus fúerit, vivet:
et omnis qui vivit et credit in me,
non moriétur in ætérnum.

I am the resurrection and the life. 
Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 
and everyone who lives and believes in me 
shall never die.


65. Once the song is finished, the Celebrant says:

2 Cor 1, 3-4

Benedictus Deus
et Pater Domini nostri Iesu Christi,
Pater misericordiarum
et Deus totius consolationis
qui consolatur nos in omni tribulatione nostra.
R. Benedictus Deus in sæcula.

Blessed be God,
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation,
who comforts us
in all our affliction.
R. Blessed be God forever.


66. Then he continues:

Spes Christi, qui e mórtuis surréxit,
sit cum ómnibus vobis.
R. Et cum spíritu tuo.

May the hope of Christ, risen from the dead,
be with you all.
R. And with your spirit.
 

67. The Celebrant sprinkles the body with holy water. Meanwhile, the antiphon is sung:

Ingrediar in locum tabernaculi admirabilis usque ad domum Dei.
I will enter the place of the wondrous tabernacle, even to the house of God.


68. When the Celebrant invites those present to prayer and explains to them the significance of the transfer of the body to the Vatican Basilica, with these or similar words:

Fratres et soróres caríssimi,
magna cum ánimi commotióne
corpus Papæ nostri N.
deférimus in Basílicam Vaticánam,
ubi múnere Epíscopi Ecclésiæ quæ est Romæ,
et Ecclésiæ universális Pastóris sæpe est functus.

Ex hac domo discedéntes
grátias agámus Dómino pro multis donis
quæ per servum suum Papam N.
christianórum plebi est largítus
eúmque supplicémus
ut, miséricors et benígnus,
perpétuam sedem in regno cælórum
eídem concédat et famíliæ pontifíciæ,
plebi suæ sanctæ, quæ Romæ vivit,
christifidélibus toto orbe diffúsis
supérnæ spei áfferat solácium.

Dear brothers and sisters,
with deep sorrow, we now accompany the mortal remains
of our Pope N. to the Vatican Basilica,
where he often exercised his ministry
as Bishop of the Church which is in Rome
and as Pastor of the universal Church.

As we now leave this home,
let us thank the Lord for the countless gifts
that he bestowed on the Christian people
through his servant, Pope N.
Let us ask him,
in his mercy and kindness,
to grant the late Pope
an eternal home in the kingdom of heaven
and to comfort with celestial hope
the papal family,
the Church in Rome
and the faithful throughout the world.


69. After a few moments of silence, the Celebrant continues, saying:

Servi tui, Dómine, Papæ nostri N.,
vitam et ópera benígnus réspice;
áccipe eum in domum perpétuæ lucis et pacis
et fidélibus tuis concéde
ut, eius vestígia álacres sectántes,
Christi Evangélio testimónium reddant.
Qui vivit et regnat in sǽcula sæculórum.
R. Amen.

Look kindly, Lord,
on the life and works of your servant, our Pope N.
Welcome him into the dwelling
of perpetual light and peace
and grant that your faithful people
may follow fervently in his footsteps,
bearing witness to the Gospel of Jesus.
Who lives and reigns forever and ever.


70. The Deacon invites those present to form the procession, saying:

Procedámus in pace.
R. In nómine Christi. Amen.

Let us go forth in peace.
In the name of Christ. Amen.


71. During the procession the choir sings, alternating with the assembly, some of the following psalms and canticles:


72. Antiphon 1

In loco páscuæ ibi me collocávit.
Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose.

Psalm 22 (23)

Dóminus pascit me, et nihil mihi déerit:*
in páscuis viréntibus me collocávit,
super aquas quiétis edúxit me,*
ánimam meam refécit.
Dedúxit me super sémitas iustítiæ*
propter nomen suum.

Nam et si ambulávero in valle umbræ mortis, non timébo mala,*
quóniam tu mecum es.
Virga tua et báculus tuus,*
ipsa me consoláta sunt.

Parásti in conspéctu meo mensam*
advérsus eos, qui tríbulant me;
impinguásti in óleo caput meum,*
et calix meus redúndat.

Etenim benígnitas et misericórdia subsequéntur me*
ómnibus diébus vitæ meæ,
et inhabitábo in domo Dómini*
in longitúdinem diérum.

Gloria Patri.

Ant. In loco páscuæ ibi me collocávit.

The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures
where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me,
to revive my drooping spirit.

He guides me along the right path;
he is true to his name.
If I should walk in the valley of darkness
no evil would I fear.
You are there with your crook and your staff;
with these you give me comfort.

You have prepared a banquet for me
in the sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil;
my cup is overflowing.

Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me
all the days of my life.
In the Lord's own house shall I dwell
for ever and ever. 

Glory...

Ant. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose.

73. Antiphon 2

Exsultábunt Dómino ossa humiliáta.
The bones humiliated will exult in the Lord.

Psalm 50 (51)

Miserére mei, Deus,*
secúndum misericórdiam tuam;
et secúndum multitúdinem miseratiónum tuárum*
dele iniquitátem meam.
Amplius lava me ab iniquitáte mea*
et a peccáto meo munda me.

Quóniam iniquitátem meam ego cognósco,*
et peccátum meum contra me est semper.

Tibi, tibi soli peccávi*
et malum coram te feci,
ut iustus inveniáris in senténtia tua*
et æquus in iudício tuo.

Ecce enim in iniquitáte generátus sum,*
et in peccáto concépit me mater mea.
Ecce enim veritátem in corde dilexísti*
et in occúlto sapiéntiam manifestásti mihi.

Aspérges me hyssópo, et mundábor;*
lavábis me, et super nivem dealbábor.
Audíre me fácies gáudium et lætítiam,*
et exsultábunt ossa, quæ contrivísti.

Avérte fáciem tuam a peccátis meis*
et omnes iniquitátes meas dele.
Cor mundum crea in me, Deus,*
et spíritum firmum ínnova in viscéribus meis.

Ne proícias me a fácie tua*
et spíritum sanctum tuum ne áuferas a me.
Redde mihi lætítiam salutáris tui*
et spíritu promptíssimo confírma me.

Docébo iníquos vias tuas,*
et ímpii ad te converténtur.
Líbera me de sanguínibus, Deus, Deus salútis meæ,*
et exsultábit lingua mea iustítiam tuam.

Dómine, lábia mea apéries,*
et os meum annuntiábit laudem tuam.
Non enim sacrifício delectáris,*
holocáustum, si ófferam, non placébit.
Sacrifícium Deo spíritus contribulátus,*
cor contrítum et humiliátum, Deus, non despícies.

Benígne fac, Dómine, in bona voluntáte tua Sion,*
ut ædificéntur muri Ierúsalem.
Tunc acceptábis sacrifícium iustítiæ,
oblatiónes et holocáusta;*
tunc impónent super altáre tuum vítulos.

Gloria Patri.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.
In your compassion blot out my offense.
O wash me more and more from my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.

My offenses truly I know them;
my sin is always before me
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done.

That you may be justified when you give sentence
and be without reproach when you judge,
O see, in guilt I was born,
a sinner was I conceived.

Indeed you love truth in the heart;
then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean;
O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,
that the bones you have crushed may thrill.
From my sins turn away your face
and blot out all my guilt.

A pure heart create for me, O God,
put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

Give me again the joy of your help;
with a spirit of fervor sustain me,
that I may teach transgressors your ways
and sinners may return to you.

O rescue me, God, my helper,
and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.
O Lord, open my lips
and my mouth shall declare your praise.

For in sacrifice you take no delight,
burnt offering from me you would refuse,
my sacrifice, a contrite spirit,
a humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.

In your goodness, show favor to Zion:
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice,
holocausts offered on your altar. 

Glory be...

Ant. Exsultábunt Dómino ossa humiliáta.
The bones humiliated will exult in the Lord.


74. Antiphon 3

Me suscepit dextera tua, Domine
Your right hand holds me fast, Lord. 

Psalm 62 (63), 2-9

Deus, Deus meus es tu,*
ad te de luce vígilo.
Sitívit in te ánima mea,*
te desiderávit caro mea.
In terra desérta et árida et inaquósa,†
sic in sancto appárui tibi,*
ut vidérem virtútem tuam et glóriam tuam.
Quóniam mélior est misericórdia tua super vitas,*
lábia mea laudábunt te.

Sic benedícam te in vita mea*
et in nómine tuo levábo manus meas.
Sicut ádipe et pinguédine repleátur ánima mea,*
et lábiis exsultatiónis laudábit os meum.
Cum memor ero tui super stratum meum,*
in matutínis meditábor de te,
quia fuísti adiútor meus,*
et in velaménto alárum tuárum exsultábo.

Adhæsit ánima mea post te,*
me suscépit déxtera tua.

Gloria Patri.

O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.

For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.

On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast. 

Glory be...

Ant. Me suscepit dextera tua, Domine
Your right hand holds me fast, Lord. 


75. Antiphon 4

Si iniquitátes observáveris, Dómine,
Dómine, quis sustinébit?
If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,
Lord, who would survive?

Psalm 129 (130)

De profúndis clamávi ad te, Dómine;*
Dómine, exáudi vocem meam.
Fiant aures tuæ intendéntes*
in vocem deprecatiónis meæ.

Si iniquitátes observáveris, Dómine,*
Dómine, quis sustinébit?
Quia apud te propitiátio est,*
ut timeámus te.
Sustínui te, Dómine,*
sustínuit ánima mea in verbo eius;
sperávit ánima mea in Dómino*
magis quam custódes auróram.

Magis quam custódes auróram*
speret Israel in Dómino,
quia apud Dóminum misericórdia,*
et copiósa apud eum redémptio.
Et ipse rédimet Israel*
ex ómnibus iniquitátibus eius.

Gloria Patri.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord,
Lord, hear my voice!
O let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleading.

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,
Lord, who would survive?
But with you is found forgiveness:
for this we revere you.

My soul is waiting for the Lord.
I count on his word.
My soul is longing for the Lord
more than watchman for daybreak.
(Let the watchman count on daybreak
and Israel on the Lord.)

Because with the Lord there is mercy
and fullness of redemption,
Israel indeed he will redeem
from all its iniquity. 

Glory...

Ant. Si iniquitátes observáveris, Dómine,
Dómine, quis sustinébit?
If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,
Lord, who would survive?


76. Antiphon 5

Ego sum resurréctio et vita:
qui credit in me, étiam si mórtuus fúerit, vivet:
et omnis qui vivit et credit in me,
non moriétur in ætérnum.

I am the resurrection and the life. 
Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 
and everyone who lives and believes in me 
shall never die.

CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH    Lk. 1, 68-79

Benedíctus Dóminus Deus Israel,*
quia visitávit et fecit redemptiónem plebi suæ
et eréxit cornu salútis nobis*
in domo David púeri sui,
sicut locútus est per os sanctórum,*
qui a sæculo sunt, prophetárum eius,
salútem ex inimícis nostris*
et de manu ómnium, qui odérunt nos;
ad faciéndam misericórdiam cum pátribus nostris*
et memorári testaménti sui sancti,
iusiurándum, quod iurávit
ad Abraham patrem nostrum,*
datúrum se nobis,
ut sine timóre, de manu inimicórum liberáti,*
serviámus illi
in sanctitáte et iustítia coram ipso*
ómnibus diébus nostris.

Et tu, puer, prophéta Altíssimi vocáberis:*
præíbis enim ante fáciem Dómini
paráre vias eius,
ad dandam sciéntiam salútis plebi eius*
in remissiónem peccatórum eórum,
per víscera misericórdiæ Dei nostri,*
in quibus visitábit nos óriens ex alto,
illumináre his, qui in ténebris
et in umbra mortis sedent*
ad dirigéndos pedes nostros in viam pacis.

Gloria Patri.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
 he has come to his people and set them free.
 
He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *
 born of the house of his servant David.
 
Through his holy prophets he promised of old,
that he would save us from our enemies, *
 from the hands of all who hate us.
 
He promised to show mercy to our fathers *
 and to remember his holy covenant.
 
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *
 to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
 
Free to worship him without fear, *
 holy and righteous in his sight
 all the days of our life.
 
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *
 for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
 
To give his people knowledge of salvation *
 by the forgiveness of their sins.
 
In the tender compassion of our God *
 the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
 
To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
 
Glory...

Ant. Ego sum resurréctio et vita:
qui credit in me, étiam si mórtuus fúerit, vivet:
et omnis qui vivit et credit in me,
non moriétur in ætérnum.

I am the resurrection and the life. 
Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 
and everyone who lives and believes in me 
shall never die.


77. Antiphon 6

Omne quod dat mihi Pater ad me veniet: et eum qui venit ad me, non eiciam foras. 
All that the Father gives me will come to me; and I will never turn away the one who comes to me.

CANTICLE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY    Lk. 1, 46-55

Magníficat*
ánima mea Dóminum,
et exsultávit spíritus meus*
in Deo salvatóre meo,
quia respéxit humilitátem ancíllæ suæ.*
Ecce enim ex hoc beátam me dicent
omnes generatiónes,
quia fecit mihi magna, qui potens est,*
et sanctum nomen eius,
et misericórdia eius in progénies et progénies*
timéntibus eum.

Fecit poténtiam in bráchio suo,*
dispérsit supérbos mente cordis sui;
depósuit poténtes de sede*
et exaltávit húmiles;
esuriéntes implévit bonis*
et dívites dimísit inánes.

Suscépit Israel púerum suum,*
recordátus misericórdiæ,
sicut locútus est ad patres nostros,*
Abraham et sémini eius in sæcula.

Gloria Patri.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory...

Ant. Omne quod dat mihi Pater ad me veniet: et eum qui venit ad me, non eiciam foras. 
All that the Father gives me will come to me; and I will never turn away the one who comes to me.


77. Antiphon 7

In pace in idípsum dórmiam et requiéscam.
I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once.

CANTICLE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY    Lk. 2, 29-32

Nunc dimíttis servum tuum, Dómine,*
secúndum verbum tuum in pace,

quia vidérunt óculi mei*
salutáre tuum,

quod parásti*
ante fáciem ómnium populórum,

lumen ad revelatiónem géntium*
et glóriam plebis tuæ Israel.

Gloria Patri.

Lord, you now have set your servant free *
 to go in peace as you have promised;
 
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
 whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
 
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
 and the glory of your people Israel.
  
Glory...

Ant. In pace in idípsum dórmiam et requiéscam.
I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once.


In St. Peter's Basilica

79. As the procession enters St. Peter's Basilica, the singers sing the Litany of the Saints, to which all respond.

Supplications to God

Kýrie, eléison.    R. Kýrie, eléison.
Christe, eléison.    R. Christe, eléison.
Kýrie, eléison.    R. Kýrie, eléison.

Lord, have mercy.    R. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.    R. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.    R. Lord, have mercy.

The names of some Saints canonized by the deceased Supreme Pontiff may be added in the appropriate place.

Invocation of the Saints

Sancta Maria,    R. ora pro ео.
Sancta Dei Génetrix,
Sancta Virgo vírginum, 
Mater Ecclésiæ,
Salus pópuli Románi,

Holy Mary,    R. pray for him.
Holy Mother of God...
Holy Virgin of virgins...
Mother of the Church...
Protectress of the Roman People...

Sancti Míchael, Gábriel et Ráphael,    R. oráte pro eo.
Omnes sancti Angeli,

Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael,    R. pray for him.
All holy Angels...

Sancte Abraham,    R. ora pro ео.
Sancte Móyses,
Sancte Elía,
Sancte Ioánnes Baptista,
Sancte Ioseph,
oráte pro eo.
Sancti lóachim et Anna,    R. oráte pro eo.
Omnes sancti Patriarchæ et Prophétæ,

Holy Abraham...
Holy Moses...
Holy Elijah...
Saint John the Baptist...
Saint Joseph...
Saint Joachim and Saint Anne...
All holy Patriarchs and Prophets...

Sancti Petre et Paule,
Sancte Andréa,    R. ora pro ео.
Sancti Ioánnes et lacóbe,    R. oráte pro eo.
Sancte Thoma,    R. ora pro ео.
Sancti Philippe et lacóbe,    R. oráte pro eo.
Sancte Bartholomæe,    R. ora pro ео.
Sancte Matthæe,
Sancti Simon et Thaddæe,    R. oráte pro eo.
Sancte Matthía,    R. ora pro ео.
Sancte Luca,
Sancte Marce,
Sancte Barnaba,
Sancti Timóthee et Tite,    R. oráte pro eo.
Sancta María Magdaléna,    R. ora pro ео.
Sancti Martha, María et Lázare,    R. oráte pro eo.
Omnes sancti Discipuli Dómini,

Saint Peter and Saint Paul...
Saint Andrew...
Saint John and Saint James....
Saint Thomas...
Saint Philip and Saint James...
Saint Bartholomew...
Saint Matthew...
Saint Simon and Saint Jude...
Saint Matthias...
Saint Luke...
Saint Mark...
Saint Barnabas...
Saint Timothy and Saint Titus...
Saint Mary Magdalene...
Saint Martha, Saint Mary and Saint Lazarus....
All holy disciples of the Lord...

Sancte Clemens Prime,
Sancte Calliste Prime,
Sancte Pontiáne,
Sancte Fabiáne,
Sancte Cornéli,
Sancte Xyste Secúnde,
Sancte Silvestre Prime,
Sancte Dámase Prime,
Sancte Ioánnes Prime,
Sancte Martíne Prime,
Sancte Leo Magne,
Sancte Gregóri Magne,
Sancte Gregóri Séptime,
Sancte Leo None
Sancte Pie Quinte,
Sancte Pie Décime,
Sancte Ioannes Vicésime tértie,
Sancte Paule Sexte,
Sancte Ioánnes Paule Secúnde,
Omnes sancti Pontifices Románi,

Saint Clement (I)...
Saint Callistus (1)...
Saint Pontian....
Saint Fabian...
Saint Cornelius...
Saint Sixtus (II)...
Saint Sylvester (1)....
Saint Damasus (1)...
Saint John (1)...
Saint Martin (1)...
Saint Leo the Great....
Saint Gregory the Great...
Saint Gregory (VII)...
Saint Leo (IX)
Saint Pius (V)...
Saint Pius (X)...
Saint John (XXIII)...
Saint Paul (VI)...
Saint John Paul (II)...
All holy Roman Pontiffs...

Sancte Stéphane,
Sancti Protomártyres Románæ Ecclésiæ,
Sancte Ignáti Antiochéne,
Sancte Polycarpe,
Sancti lustine et Apollóni,
Sancte Irenée,
Sancte Hippólyte,
Sancte Tarsici,
Sancte Laurénti,
Sancte Cypriáne,
Sancte Sebastiáne,
Sancte Stanisláe,
Sancte Bonifáti,
Sancte Thoma Becket,
Sancti loannes Fisher et Thoma More,
Sancte Iósaphat,
Sancte Paule Miki,
Sancti loánnes de Brébeuf et Isaac Jogues,
Sancte Andréa Dung-Lac,
Sancte Petre Chanel,
Sancti Andréa Kim Tae-gön et Paule Chông Ha-sang,
Sancte Cárole Lwanga,
Sancte Maximiliáne María Kolbe,
Sanctæ Perpètua et Felícitas,
Sancta Sabina,
Sancta Agatha,
Sancta Agnes,
Sancta Cæcilia,
Sancta Eugénia,
Sancta Lúcia,
Sancta María Goretti,
Sancta Terésia Benedicta a Cruce,
Omnes sancti Mártyres,

Saint Stephen...
Holy First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church...
Saint Ignatius of Antioch...
Saint Polycarp...
Saint Justin and Saint Apollonius...
Saint Irenaeus....
Saint Hippolytus...
Saint Tarcisius...
Saint Lawrence...
Saint Cyprian...
Saint Sebastian...
Saint Boniface...
Saint Stanislaus...
Saint Thomas (Becket)...
Saint John (Fisher) and Saint Thomas (More)...
Saint Josaphat...
Saint Paul (Miki)...
Saint John (de Brébeuf) and Isaac (Jogues)...
Saint Andrew (Dung-Lac)...
Saint Peter (Chanel)...
Saint Andrew (Kim Tae-gon) and Saint Paul (Chông Ha-sang)....
Saint Charles (Lwanga)...
Saint Maximilian Mary (Kolbe)....
Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity...
Saint Sabina...
Saint Agatha...
Saint Agnes...
Saint Cecilia...
Saint Eugenia...
Saint Lucy...
Saint Maria (Goretti)...
Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross...
All martyrs of Christ...

Sancte Ambrósi,
Sancte Hieronyme,
Sancte Augustine,
Sancte Athanási,
Sancti Basili et Gregóri Nazianzéne,
Sancte Ioánnes Chrysostome,
Sancte Martíne Turonensis,
Sancte Patríci,
Sancti Cyrille et Methódi,
Sancte Bernárde,
Sancte Antóni de Pádova,
Sancte Bonaventúra,
Sancte Thoma de Aquino,
Sancte Cárole Borromeo,
Sancte Ioánnes a Cruce,
Sancte Francisce de Sales,
Sancte Alfónse Mariæ de' Liguori,
Sancta Catharína Senénsis,
Sancta Terésia a lesu,
Sancta Terésia a lesu Infánte,
Sancte Antóni,
Sancte Benedicte,
Sancte Francisce,
Sancte Domínice,
Sancte Ignáti de Loyola,
Sancte Francisce Xavier,
Sancte Aloísi Gonzaga,
Sancte Philippe Neri,
Sancte Vincénti de Paul,
Sancte loannes Baptista de la Salle,
Sancte Gaspar del Bufalo,
Sancte Vincénti Pallotti,
Sancte Ioánnes María Vianney,
Sancte Ioánnes Bosco,
Sancte Pie de Pietrelcina,
Sancta Sabina,
Sancta Scholástica,
Sancta Clara,
Sancta Birgitta,
Sancta Francisca Romána,
Sancta Rosa de Lima,

Saint Ambrose...
Saint Jerome...
Saint Augustine...
Saint Athanasius...
Saint Basil and Saint Gregory of Nazianzus...
Saint John Chrysostom...
Saint Martin of Tours...
Saint Patrick...
Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius...
Saint Bernard...
Saint Anthony of Padua...
Saint Bonaventure...
Saint Thomas Aquinas...
Saint Charles (Borromeo)...
Saint John of the Cross....
Saint Francis de Sales...
Saint Alphonsus Mary (de' Liguori
Saint Catherine of Siena....
Saint Teresa of Jesus...
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus...
Saint Anthony...
Saint Benedict...
Saint Francis...
Saint Dominic...
Saint Ignatius of Loyola...
Saint Francis (Xavier)...
Saint Aloysius (Gonzaga)...
Saint Philip (Neri)...
Saint Vincent (de Paul)...
Saint John Baptist (de la Salle)...
Saint Gaspar (del Bufalo)...
Saint Vincent (Pallotti)...
Saint John Mary (Vianney)...
Saint John (Bosco)...
Saint Pius of Pietrelcina...
Saint Sabina...
Saint Scholastica...
Saint Clare...
Saint Bridget...
Saint Frances of Rome...
Saint Rose of Lima...

Sancte Ludovice None,
Sancta Mónica,
Sancta Paula,
Sancta Marcélla,
Sancta Elísabeth Hungáriæ,
Omnes Sancti et Sanctæ Dei,

Saint Louis (IX)...
Saint Monica...
Saint Paula...
Saint Marcella...
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary...
All holy men and women, saints of God...

Invocations to Christ

Christe, Fili Dei vivi,    R. miserére ei.
Qui in hunc mundum venísti,
Qui in cruce pependísti,
Qui mortem propter nos accepísti,
Qui in sepúlcro iacuísti,
Qui a mórtuis resurrexísti,
Qui in cælos ascendísti,
Qui Spíritum Sanctum in Apóstolos misísti,
Qui sedes ad déxteram Patris,
Qui ventúrus es iudicáre vivos et mórtuos,

Christ, Son of the living God,    R. have mercy on him.
Who came into this world... 
Who hung upon the Cross... 
Who accepted death for us... 
Who was laid in the tomb... 
Who rose from the dead... 
Who ascended into heaven... 
Who sent the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles...
Who is seated at the right hand of the Father...
Who will come to judge the living and the dead...

Prayers for various circumstances and needs

Ut nobis indúlgeas,    R. te rogámus, audi nos.
Ut mentes nostras ad cæléstia desidéria érigas,
Ut ánimas nostras, fratrum, propinquórum et benefactórum nostrórum ab ætérna damnatióne erípias,
Ut ómnibus fidélibus defúnctis réquiem ætérnam donáre dignéris,
Ut mundum a peste, fame et bello serváre dignéris,
Ut cunctis pópulis pacem et veram concórdiam donáre dignéris,
Ut Ecclésiam tuam sanctam régere et conserváre dignéris,
Ut omnes ecclesiásticos órdines in sancta religióne conserváre dignéris,
Ut operários in messem tuam míttere dignéris,
Ut ómnibus in Christum credéntibus unitátem largíri dignéris,
Ut omnes hómines ad Evangélii lumen perdúcere dignéris,

Be merciful to us sinners,    R. Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.
Awaken our minds to heavenly desires...
Deliver from eternal damnation our souls, and those of our brethren, loved ones, and benefactors...
Grant eternal rest to the faithful departed...
Keep the world from pestilence, famine and war...
Bring all peoples together in peace and true harmony...
Govern and protect your holy Church...
Keep all the ordained in faithful service to your Church...
Send labourers into your harvest...
Bestow unity upon all who believe in Christ...
Lead all people to the light of the Gospel...

Conclusion

Christe, audi nos.    R. Christe, audi nos.
Christe, exáudi nos.    R. Christe, exáudi nos.

Christ, hear us.    R. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.    R. Christ, graciously hear us.


80. Meanwhile, the body of the Supreme Pontiff is placed at the altar of Confession, facing the people, or at another suitable altar, established by the Cardinal Fathers in the Congregation.


81. Then the body is sprinkled with holy water and incensed, while the choir, alternating with the assembly, sings the Responsory:

Subvenite, Sancti Dei, occúrrite, Angeli Dómini:
Suscipiéntes ánimam eius: *
Offeréntes eam in conspectu Altissimi.

Suscipiat te Christus, qui vocávit te:
et in sinum Abrahæ Angeli deducant te.
Suscipiéntes ánimam eius: *
Offeréntes eam in conspectu Altissimi.

Réquiem ætérnam dona ei, Dómine,
et lux perpétua luceat ei.
Offeréntes eam in conspectu Altissimi.

Come help, saints of God; hurry, angels of the Lord
Taking up his soul
and offering it before the eyes of the Most High.

May Christ, who has called you, receive you,
and may the angels lead you to the bosom of Abraham.
Taking up his soul 
and offering it before the eyes of the Most High.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
Taking up his soul 
and offering it before the eyes of the Most High.


82. After the singing of the responsory, if a brief Liturgy of the Word is being celebrated, the Deacon proclaims the Gospel.

I desire that they also may be with me where I am.

 Lectio sancti Evangelii secundum Ioannem 17, 24-26
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.


83. After the proclamation of the Gospel, the Universal Prayer takes place.

The Celebrant:
Fratres caríssimi,
Deum ómnium Patrem eníxe deprecémur
ut Pastórem nostrum defúnctum
in ætérna tabernácula recípiat
et nostram fidem in mortuórum resurrectióne adáugeat.

Brothers and sisters, 
let us pray to God our Father 
that he may welcome our departed Shepherd 
to his eternal home 
and increase our faith in the resurrection of the dead.

Dóminum deprecémur.
R. Te rogámus, audi nos.

Let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.

Deacon or cantor:
1. Pro defuncto Papa N.
ut pastórum ille Princeps, 
qui semper vivit ad interpellándum pro nobis, 
in regnum lucis et pacis eum benigne excipiat.

Dóminum deprecémur.
R. Te rogámus, audi nos.

For the late Pope N.
that the Chief Shepherd, 
who eternally lives to intercede for us, 
may welcome him into his kingdom of light and peace.

Let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.

2. Pro Ecclésia sancta Dei: 
ut, offício sibi crédito fidélis, 
ferméntum exsistat hóminum famíliæ 
in Christo renovándæ.

Dóminum deprecémur.
R. Te rogámus, audi nos.

For the holy Church of God, 
that in fidelity to her mandate, 
she may be, in Christ, 
a leaven of renewal in our human family.

Let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.

3. Pro cunctárum natiónum pópulis: 
ut, iustítiam sectántes, 
unam in pace famíliam constituant 
et fratérno ánimo iungántur.

Dóminum deprecémur.
R. Te rogámus, audi nos.

For every people and nation, 
that in the pursuit of justice, 
they may dwell in peace as one family, 
united by fraternal affection.

Let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.

4. Pro nobis ómnibus: 
ut qui orántes hic consociámur, 
in cælórum regnum tandem congregémur.

Dóminum deprecémur.
R. Te rogámus, audi nos.

For all of us 
gathered here in prayer, 
that we may one day be reunited 
in the kingdom of heaven.

Let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.

After the last intention, everyone sings the Pater Noster.


84. The Celebrant concludes the prayer by saying:
Exáudi nos, Deus, salutáris noster, 
una cum ómnibus Sanctis te deprecántes, 
et ánimam fámuli tui Papæ nostri N.
qui Ecclésiæ oratióne est confísus, 
electórum tuórum iunge consórtio. 
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.

God our salvation, 
hear us as we pray 
in union with all the Saints, 
and welcome into the assembly of your elect 
the soul of your servant, our Pope N.
who placed his trust in the Church's prayer.
Through Christ our Lord.

85. The Celebrant says:
Réquiem ætérnam dona ei, Dómine.
R. Et lux perpétua lúceat ei.

Requiéscat in pace.
R. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
R. And let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.
R. Amen 


86. If Mass is being celebrated, after the chant Subvenite, the Celebrant recites the Collect. This is immediately followed by the Liturgy of the Word, in which three readings may be read. After the Gospel, the Universal Prayer is said; then the Liturgy of the Eucharist follows.

*****

Celebrations and Prayers

Liturgy of the Hours

87. At the body, the faithful will offer constant prayers to God for the deceased Pontiff:

    a) In the morning, Lauds should be celebrated, arranged so that the faithful can participate.

    b) Vespers should be celebrated in the evening.

    c) At an appropriate time, the extended Vigil should be celebrated, according to the Principles and Norms for the Liturgy of the Hours, with the psalms, biblical and patristic readings, and prayers from the Office of the Dead. The canticles and the Gospel should be taken from those proposed for the Sundays "per annum."

Holy Mass

88. Since many priests go to St. Peter's Basilica to celebrate the Eucharist, concelebrations should take place at the established times, and the faithful should participate in the Eucharistic sacrifice for the deceased Supreme Pontiff.

Other Prayers

Celebration of the Word of God

89. If appropriate, after the celebration of Vespers and during the All-Night Vigil, a celebration of the Word of God may take place, according to the norms imparted by the Master of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.

Psalmody

90. The venerable tradition of reciting the penitential and gradual psalms at the body of the deceased Supreme Pontiff should be preserved, especially if a group of priests, religious, or laypeople has gathered there.

Recitation of the Rosary

91. When no liturgical celebration is taking place, the recitation of the Rosary may take place, under the guidance of the person designated by the Master of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff and in the form indicated by him. If appropriate, after the fifty Hail Marys, the Prayer of the Faithful may be said.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (1st edition): Exposition of the Body

Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis
(First edition, 2000)


FIRST STATION
IN THE HOUSE OF THE DECEASED PONTIFF

***

INFORMATIVE NOTE

8. The exposition of the deceased's body in a suitable setting within the papal household offers the faithful of the Church of Rome the opportunity to gather for prayer there, along with all those who wish to pay homage to the deceased Pontiff through Christian piety. The visit of the faithful is preceded by a celebration presided over by the Cardinal Camerlengo. Other prayer plans are proposed in this Ritual at Nos. 40-61.

***

Exposition of the Body

29. The body of the Pontiff is then privately carried to the place designated by the Master of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, where the faithful pay their respects and offer prayers for him until it is solemnly transferred to the Vatican Basilica.

30. The preparation of the place where the body of the Supreme Pontiff will be laid to rest is the responsibility of the Master of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, who will avail himself of the assistance of the Papal Masters of Ceremonies and other individuals designated by him for this purpose.
The Paschal candle and the vessel of holy water are to be placed in a suitable place next to the body of the Supreme Pontiff. The Master of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff is to establish the time at which, once everything has been arranged, access to the room will be permitted. The visits begin with the following celebration, presided over by the Cardinal Camerlengo, who will wear the choir dress and a red stole.

31. The celebration begins with the singing of the antiphon:

Ego sum resurréctio et vita:
qui credit in me, étiam si mórtuus fúerit, vivet:
et omnis qui vivit et credit in me,
non moriétur in ætérnum.

I am the resurrection and the life. 
Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 
and everyone who lives and believes in me 
shall never die.


32. Then the Celebrant says:
In nómine Patris et Fílii et Spíritus Sancti.
R. Amen.

Deus Pater,
qui Filium suum Iesum Christum
a mórtuis resuscitávit,
grátiam et consolatiónem Sancti Spíritus
tríbuat ómnibus vobis.
R. Benedictus Deus in sæcula.

God the Father,
who raised from the dead
his Son Jesus Christ,
grant to you all
the grace and consolation of the Holy Spirit.
R. Blessed be God forever.


33. The Celebrant then pronounces the following monition:

Fratres caríssimi,
Deus, ómnium Pater,
ex quo vita et mors nobis véniunt,
ad se arcessívit N. Papam nostrum,
quem ad regéndam Ecclésiam
Romæ Epíscopum,
Petri successórem constítuit.

Procedéntes ad defúncti Pontíficis corpus venerándum
grátias Deo reddámus
pro beneficiis quæ per eum Ecclésiæ concéssit;
sed et deprecémur
ut Pastórem nostrum,
eórum quæ humána fragilitáte commíserit miséritus,
in suum Regnum accípiat
eíque præmium tríbuat labórum
quos propter Evangélium sustínuit
Excitémus fidem nostram in Christo Iesu,
qui promísit:
«Ego sum lux mundi;
qui séquitur me,
non ambulábit in ténebris,
sed habébit lucem vitæ» (Io 8, 12).

Dear brothers and sisters,
God, our Father,
from whom come both life and death,
has called to himself our Pope N.,
whom he established as Bishop of Rome,
successor of Peter
in the pastoral governance of the Church.

By our reverent veneration before his mortal remains,
we give thanks to God for the benefits
which through him he bestowed upon his Church,
and we implore his mercy
for the faults which our Shepherd committed
through human frailty;
we beseech the Lord to receive him into his Kingdom
and to grant him the reward for the labors
he endured for the sake of the Gospel.

Let us rekindle our faith in Christ,
who has assured us:
"I am the light of the world;
whoever believes in me
will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life." (John 8, 12)


34. The Celebrant goes to light the Paschal candle, while the antiphon with Psalm 26 is sung:

Lux æterna* luceat ei, Domine: cum sanctis tuis in æternum, quia pius es.
Let perpetual light shine upon him, with your Saints for ever, for you are merciful.

Psalm 26 (27), 1-4. 7-9

Dóminus illuminátio mea et salus mea, * quem timébo?
Dóminus protector vitæ meæ, * a quo trepidábo?

Dum apprópiant super me nocéntes, * ut edant carnes meas; 
qui tríbulant me et inimíci mei, * ipsi infirmáti sunt et ceciderunt.

Si consistant advérsum me castra, * non timébit cor meum; 
si exsúrgat advérsum me prælium, * in hoc ego sperábo.
Unum pétii a Dómino, hoc requíram: ut inhábitem in domo Dómini ómnibus diébus vitæ meæ,
ut videam voluptátem Dómini * et visitem templum eius.

Exáudi, Dómine, vocem meam qua clamávi, * miserére mei et exáudi me. 
De te dixit cor meum: «Exquírite fáciem meam!». * Fáciem tuam, Dómine, exquíram.

Ne avértas fáciem tuam a me, * ne declínes in ira a servo tuo.
Adiútor meus es tu, ne me reícias * neque derelínquas me, Deus salútis meæ.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc et semper, * et in sæcula sæculórum. Amen.

The Lord is my light and my help;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
before whom shall I shrink?

When evildoers draw near to devour my flesh,
it is they, my enemies and foes, who stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me
my heart would not fear.
Though war break out against me
even then would I trust.

There is one thing I ask of the Lord, for this I long,
to live in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life,
to savor the sweetness of the Lord,
to behold his temple.

O Lord, hear my voice when I call;
have mercy and answer.
Of you my heart has spoken:
"Seek his face."
It is your face, O Lord, that I seek;
hide not your face.

Dismiss not your servant in anger;
you have been my help.
Do not abandon or forsake me, O God my help!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, * and will be forever. Amen.

Ant. Lux æterna* luceat ei, Domine: cum sanctis tuis in æternum, quia pius es.
Let perpetual light shine upon him, with your Saints for ever, for you are merciful.


35. The Celebrant invites those present to prayer, saying:

Oremus.
Let us pray.

And all pray in silence for a while.

Then the Celebrant says this prayer:

Deus, misericordiárum Pater, 
qui fámulo tuo, Papæ nostro N.
cum in terris víveret lumen fídei donásti, 
réspice eum óbviam tibi 
cum lámpade accénsa veniéntem 
et in beatitúdinis sempitérnæ luce 
cum ómnibus sanctis constítue. 
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.

O God, Father of mercies,
who, while your servant, our Pope N.,
lived on earth, bestowed upon him the light of faith,
look kindly upon him
as he comes to meet you with his lamp alight,
and admit him, with all the Saints,
into the blessedness of eternal light.
Through Christ our Lord.


36. The Celebrant goes to the bier together with the minister, who carries the vessel of holy water and says:

Consepúlti sumus cum Christo in Baptísmate
ut cum illo resurgerémus.
Corpus Papæ nostri N. aspergámus,
grátias Deo reddéntes,
qui in Christo et Sancto Spíritu
ad novam vitam eum regenerávit,
et orémus ut Patrem misericordiárum
fácie ad fáciem in ætérnum contemplétur.

We were buried with Christ in Baptism,
so that we might rise with him.
Let us sprinkle the body of our Pope N.,
and give thanks to God, who has regenerated him
to new life in Christ through the Holy Spirit.
And let us pray that he may behold,
face to face for all eternity,
the Father of mercies.


37. While the Celebrant sprinkles the body of the Supreme Pontiff with holy water, the antiphon with Psalm 41 is sung:

Sitivit* anima mea ad Deum vivum: quando veniam, et apparebo ante faciem Domini?
My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life; when can I enter and see the face of God?

Psalm 41 (42), 2-6

Quemadmodum desiderat cervus ad fontes aquarum,* ita desiderat anima mea ad te, Deus.
Sitivit anima mea ad Deum, Deum vivum;* quando veniam et apparebo ante faciem Dei?
Fuerunt mihi lacrimæ meæ panis die ac nocte,* dum dicitur mihi quotidie: «Ubi est Deus tuus?».
Hæc recordatus sum et effudi in me animam meam; † quoniam transibam in locum tabernaculi admirabilis* usque ad domum Dei,
In voce exsultationis et confessionis,* multitudinis festa celebrantis.
Quare tristis es, anima mea,* et quare conturbaris in me?
Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc confitebor illi,* salutare vultus mei et Deus meus.

Gloria Patri.

Like the deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God.
My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life; when can I enter and see the face of God?
My tears have become my bread, by night, by day, as I hear it said all the day long: Where is your God?
These things will I remember as I pour out my soul: how I would lead the rejoicing crowd into the house of God,
amid cries of gladness and thanksgiving, the throng wild with joy.

Why are you cast down, my soul,
why groan within me?
Hope in God; I will praise him still,
my savior and my God.

Glory be to the Father...


38. Then the Celebrant introduces the Our Father:

In manus Dei Patris nos committámus,
fratres caríssimi,
eius providénti voluntáti adhæréntes,
quia semper in ipso vivimus, sumus et mórimur.
Exorémus igitur Deum Patrem iisdem verbis
quæ Filius eius nos docuit

Let us commend ourselves, dearly beloved brethren,
into the hands of God the Father,
and adhere to his provident will,
for in him we live and move and have our being.
And so let us pray to God the Father
in the very words that his Son has taught us.

Everyone says the Our Father.


39. The Celebrant concludes the prayer by saying:

Deus Pater omnipotens,
qui nos crucis mystério conformásti
et Fílii tui resurrectiónis sacraménto signásti,
concéde propítius fámulo tuo Papæ nostro N.,
cui gregis tui curam pastorálem tradidísti,
ut mortalitátis néxibus expedítus,
electórum tuórum aggregétur consórtio.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.

O God, who have made us sharers
in the mystery of Christ, crucified and risen
for our salvation,
grant that your servant, our Pope N.,
to whom you entrusted the pastoral care of your flock,
freed from the bonds of death,
may be united with the company of the Saints
in the eternal Passover.
Through Christ our Lord.

Benedicámus Dómino.
R. Deo grátias.

Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.

*****

Celebrations and Prayers

40. According to custom, the body of the Roman Pontiff is kept vigil by the Penitentiaries of the Vatican Basilica; they wear red stoles and alternate, at least two at a time, at the body, offering prayers for the deceased.

41. In the place where the body of the Pontiff is laid to rest, prayers are offered and celebrations are held in the form most suited to the circumstances: a brief moment of prayer, a Liturgy of the Hours or celebration of the Word of God, or a recitation of the Rosary. It is the responsibility of the Master of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff to establish in more detail the order and form of the celebrations or prayers and to designate a member of the Papal Household to preside over them.

42. In a suitable place, a vessel of holy water and red stoles are placed for the ordained ministers who pray beside the coffin of the Roman Pontiff and sprinkle it with holy water.

Brief Moment of Prayer

43. Those who go, individually or in small groups, to the place where the body of the Supreme Pontiff lies in state may offer prayers for him in the following manner.

44. One or more psalms may be recited or sung continuously, or in verses, or in stanzas, alternately by two people or sections of the assembly, or responsorially.

If this occurs in an assembly, the one who leads or has precedence in dignity begins the prayer by saying or singing the antiphon with the Psalm:

Psalm 50 (51)

Asperges me, Domine, hyssopo et mundabor,
Lavabis me, et super nivem dealbabor.

Sprinkle me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be cleansed;
wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Miserére mei, Deus,*
secúndum misericórdiam tuam;
et secúndum multitúdinem miseratiónum tuárum*
dele iniquitátem meam.
Amplius lava me ab iniquitáte mea*
et a peccáto meo munda me.

Quóniam iniquitátem meam ego cognósco,*
et peccátum meum contra me est semper.

Tibi, tibi soli peccávi*
et malum coram te feci,
ut iustus inveniáris in senténtia tua*
et æquus in iudício tuo.

Ecce enim in iniquitáte generátus sum,*
et in peccáto concépit me mater mea.
Ecce enim veritátem in corde dilexísti*
et in occúlto sapiéntiam manifestásti mihi.

Aspérges me hyssópo, et mundábor;*
lavábis me, et super nivem dealbábor.
Audíre me fácies gáudium et lætítiam,*
et exsultábunt ossa, quæ contrivísti.

Avérte fáciem tuam a peccátis meis*
et omnes iniquitátes meas dele.
Cor mundum crea in me, Deus,*
et spíritum firmum ínnova in viscéribus meis.

Ne proícias me a fácie tua*
et spíritum sanctum tuum ne áuferas a me.
Redde mihi lætítiam salutáris tui*
et spíritu promptíssimo confírma me.

Docébo iníquos vias tuas,*
et ímpii ad te converténtur.
Líbera me de sanguínibus, Deus, Deus salútis meæ,*
et exsultábit lingua mea iustítiam tuam.

Dómine, lábia mea apéries,*
et os meum annuntiábit laudem tuam.
Non enim sacrifício delectáris,*
holocáustum, si ófferam, non placébit.
Sacrifícium Deo spíritus contribulátus,*
cor contrítum et humiliátum, Deus, non despícies.

Benígne fac, Dómine, in bona voluntáte tua Sion,*
ut ædificéntur muri Ierúsalem.
Tunc acceptábis sacrifícium iustítiæ,
   oblatiónes et holocáusta;*
tunc impónent super altáre tuum vítulos.

Gloria Patri.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.
In your compassion blot out my offense.
O wash me more and more from my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.

My offenses truly I know them;
my sin is always before me
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done.

That you may be justified when you give sentence
and be without reproach when you judge,
O see, in guilt I was born,
a sinner was I conceived.

Indeed you love truth in the heart;
then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean;
O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,
that the bones you have crushed may revive.
From my sins turn away your face
and blot out all my guilt.

A pure heart create for me, O God,
put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

Give me again the joy of your help;
with a spirit of fervor sustain me,
that I may teach transgressors your ways
and sinners may return to you.

O rescue me, God, my helper,
and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.
O Lord, open my lips
and my mouth shall declare your praise.

For in sacrifice you take no delight,
burnt offering from me you would refuse,
my sacrifice, a contrite spirit,
a humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.

In your goodness, show favor to Zion:
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice,
holocausts offered on your altar.

Glory Be.

Ant. Asperges me, Domine, hyssopo et mundabor,
Lavabis me, et super nivem dealbabor.

Sprinkle me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be cleansed;
wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Or: Psalm 121 (122)

Lætátus sum in eo quod dixérunt mihi:*
R. In domum Dómini íbimus.

Stantes iam sunt pedes nostri*
in portis tuis, Ierúsalem.
R. In domum Dómini.

Ierúsalem, quæ ædificáta est ut cívitas,*
sibi compácta in idípsum.
Illuc enim ascendérunt tribus, tribus Dómini,*
testimónium Israel,
   ad confiténdum nómini Dómini.
Quia illic sedérunt sedes ad iudícium,*
sedes domus David.

Rogáte, quæ ad pacem sunt Ierúsalem:*
«Secúri sint diligéntes te!
Fiat pax in muris tuis,*
et secúritas in túrribus tuis!».

Propter fratres meos et próximos meos*
loquar: «Pax in te!».
Propter domum Dómini Dei nostri*
exquíram bona tibi.

Gloria Patri.

Ant. In domum Dómini íbimus.

I rejoiced when I heard them say:
R. Let us go to God's house.

And now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is built as a city
strongly compact.
It is there that the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord.

For Israel's law it is,
there to praise the Lord's name.
There were set the thrones of judgment
of the house of David.

For the peace of Jerusalem pray:
"Peace be to your homes!
May peace reign in your walls!
In your palaces, peace!"

For love of my brethren and friends
I say: Peace upon you.
For love of the house of the Lord
I will ask for your good. 

Glory...

Let us go to God's house.

Or: Psalm 129 (130)

Ant. Apud Dóminum misericórdia,
et copiósa apud eum redémptio.

With the Lord there is mercy,
and with him there is bountiful redemption.

De profúndis clamávi ad te, Dómine;*
Dómine, exáudi vocem meam.
Ant. Apud Dóminum.

Fiant aures tuæ intendéntes*
in vocem deprecatiónis meæ.

Si iniquitátes observáveris, Dómine,*
Dómine, quis sustinébit?
Quia apud te propitiátio est,*
ut timeámus te.
Sustínui te, Dómine,*
sustínuit ánima mea in verbo eius;
sperávit ánima mea in Dómino*
magis quam custódes auróram.

Magis quam custódes auróram*
speret Israel in Dómino,
quia apud Dóminum misericórdia,*
et copiósa apud eum redémptio.
Et ipse rédimet Israel*
ex ómnibus iniquitátibus eius.

Glória Patri.

Ant. Apud Dóminum misericórdia,
et copiósa apud eum redémptio.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord,
Lord, hear my voice!
O let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleading.

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,
Lord, who would survive?
But with you is found forgiveness:
for this we revere you.

My soul is waiting for the Lord.
I count on his word.
My soul is longing for the Lord
more than watchman for daybreak.
(Let the watchman count on daybreak
and Israel on the Lord.)

Because with the Lord there is mercy
and fullness of redemption,
Israel indeed he will redeem
from all its iniquity. 

Glory...

With the Lord there is mercy,
and with him there is bountiful redemption.


45. Then the body of the Supreme Pontiff is sprinkled with holy water.


46. The presider says:

Oremus.
Let us pray.

And everyone prays in silence for a while. Then the one who presides says:

Tibi, Dómine, fámulum tuum Papam nostrum N.
humiliter commendámus,
ut, quem in hac vita mortáli
imménso semper es prosecútus amóre,
nunc, a malis ómnibus liberátum,
in réquiem íngredi iúbeas sempitérnam.
Tuam ergo cleméntiam deprecámur,
ut, quia prima iam transiérunt,
illum in paradísum tuum benígne perdúcas,
ubi neque luctus neque clamor neque dolor erit ultra,
sed pax et gáudium,
cum Fílio tuo, et Spíritu Sancto,
in sæcula sæculórum.
R. Amen.

Lord, we commend to you in humility
your servant, our Pope N.
In this mortal life you surrounded him
with your boundless love;
now free him from every evil
and grant him rest in the eternal kingdom.
As the things of this world have passed away for him,
bring him into your paradise,
where there is no more mourning, nor pain, nor weeping,
but peace and joy
with your Son and the Holy Spirit
for ever and ever.

Réquiem ætérnam dona ei, Dómine.
R. Et lux perpétua lúceat ei.

Requiéscat in pace.
R. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
R. And let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.
R. Amen 


Celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours

47. As appropriate, with the participation of the faithful, especially the Pontifical Household, the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours takes place, primarily with Lauds in the morning and Vespers in the evening, as indicated in the Office of the Dead. A longer reading may be chosen as the biblical reading.

Celebration of the Word of God

48. The celebration of the Word of God may take place at established times or when a group gathers, with the permission of the Master of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.

49. At the beginning of the celebration, the antiphon is sung:

Requiem æternam dona ei, Domine: et lux perpetua luceat ei.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, And let perpetual light shine upon him.

or another suitable song.


50. The one presiding over the celebration greets those present, saying:
cf. 1 Petr 1, 3-5

Benedíctus Deus
et Pater Dómini nostri Iesu Christi,
qui regenerávit nos in spem vivam
per resurrectiónem Iesu Christi ex mórtuis.
R. Benedictus Deus in sæcula.

Blessed be the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has given us new birth
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
into a living hope.
R. Blessed be God forever.


51. Then he addresses this monition to those present:

Fratres,
in hac celebratióne,
quæ in domo Pastóris nostri defúncti,
Papæ N., perágitur,
commemorabimus eius cotidiános labóres,
Ecclésiæ sollicitúdinem,
stúdium perfectiónis in orándo
et se Christo conformándo.

Grátias agámus pro eius ministério,
quod copiósos áttulit fructus
ad Ecclésiæ bonum atque proféctum.

Cantu psalmi «Dóminus pascit me»
munus pastorále defúncti Pontíficis memorémus
et præmium bonis Evangélii operáriis promíssum
pro illo expetámus.

Brothers and sisters,
in this celebration, 
held in the house of our departed Shepherd, 
Pope N.,
we recall his daily labors,
his pastoral care for the Church,
and his desire for perfection
in prayer and in conformity to Christ.

Let us give thanks for his ministry,
which bore abundant fruit
for the good and growth of the Church.

With the singing of the psalm, “The Lord is my shepherd,”
we remember the pastoral service of the departed Pontiff
and ask for him the reward
promised to the faithful workers of the Gospel.


52. Then the antiphon with Psalm 22 is sung or said:

Dominus pascit me, et nihil mihi deerit
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Psalm 22 (23)

Dóminus pascit me, et nihil mihi déerit:*
in páscuis viréntibus me collocávit,
super aquas quiétis edúxit me,*
ánimam meam refécit.
Dedúxit me super sémitas iustítiæ*
propter nomen suum.

Nam et si ambulávero in valle umbræ mortis,
non timébo mala,*
quóniam tu mecum es.
Virga tua et báculus tuus,*
ipsa me consoláta sunt.

Parásti in conspéctu meo mensam*
advérsus eos, qui tríbulant me;
impinguásti in óleo caput meum,*
et calix meus redúndat.

Etenim benígnitas et misericórdia
   subsequéntur me*
ómnibus diébus vitæ meæ,
et inhabitábo in domo Dómini*
in longitúdinem diérum.

The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures
where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me,
to revive my drooping spirit.

He guides me along the right path;
he is true to his name.
If I should walk in the valley of darkness
no evil would I fear.
You are there with your crook and your staff;
with these you give me comfort.

You have prepared a banquet for me
in the sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil;
my cup is overflowing.

Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me
all the days of my life.
In the Lord's own house shall I dwell
for ever and ever. 

Glory...

Ant. Dominus pascit me, et nihil mihi deerit
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.


53. Then the prayer on the Psalm is said:

Dómine Iesu, Pastor ætérne,
qui Epíscopo tuo Papa nostro N.
Evangélium nuntiandi
et verbum salutis ad omnes gentes afferéndi
munus commisísti,
grátias tibi ágimus pro eius magistério,
et súpplices exorámus
ut semen verbi, quod lárgiter sparsit,
ubérrimos edat fructus,
qui illi fiant glóriæ et corónæ.
Qui vivis et regnas per ómnia sæcula sæculórum.
R. Amen.

Lord Jesus, eternal Shepherd,
you entrusted to your Bishop, Pope N.,
the task of proclaiming the Gospel
and bringing the word of salvation to all peoples.
We give you thanks for his teaching ministry
and humbly beseech you:
May the seed of the Word that he sowed in abundance
bear rich fruit,
to be for him a glory and a crown.
You who live and reign forever and ever.


54. The prayer is followed by the reading of the Word of God.

I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.

From the Second Letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to Timothy.
2, 8-15; 4, 1-8


55. After a brief period of silence, the one presiding over the celebration invites those present to pray by saying:

Cantu psalmi «Quam dilécta tabernácula»
votum exprimámus
ut, Summo Pastóri,
mortálibus néxibus expedíto,
cæléstis pátriæ áditus aperiátur.

With the chanting of the psalm, “How lovely is your dwelling place,”
we express our hope
that the Supreme Shepherd,
freed from earthly bonds,
may enter through the gates of the heavenly homeland.

56. The antiphon is sung or said with Psalm 83:

Chorus angelórum te suscípiat,
et cum Lázaro quondam páupere
ætérnam hábeas réquiem.

May choirs of angels welcome you
and with Lazarus, who is poor no longer,
may you have eternal rest.

Psalm 83 (84)

Quam dilécta tabernácula tua, Dómine virtútum!*
Concupíscit et déficit ánima mea in átria Dómini.
Cor meum et caro mea*
exsultavérunt in Deum vivum.
Etenim passer invénit sibi domum,†
et turtur nidum sibi, ubi ponat pullos suos:*
altária tua, Dómine virtútum,
Rex meus et Deus meus.
Beáti, qui hábitant in domo tua:*
in perpétuum laudábunt te.

Beátus vir, cuius est auxílium abs te,*
ascensiónes in corde suo dispósuit.
Transeúntes per vallem sitiéntem
in fontem ponent eam,*
étenim benedictiónibus véstiet eam
plúvia matutína.
Ibunt de virtúte in virtútem,*
vidébitur Deus deórum in Sion.

Dómine Deus virtútum, exáudi oratiónem meam;*
áuribus pércipe, Deus Iacob.
Protéctor noster áspice, Deus,*
et réspice in fáciem christi tui.

Quia mélior est dies una in átriis tuis super mília,†
elégi ad limen esse in domo Dei mei*
magis quam habitáre in tabernáculis peccatórum.

Quia sol et scutum est Dóminus Deus,†
grátiam et glóriam dabit Dóminus;*
non privábit bonis eos,
qui ámbulant in innocéntia.
Dómine virtútum,*
beátus homo, qui sperat in te.

Glória Patri...

How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord, God of hosts.

My soul is longing and yearning,
is yearning for the courts of the Lord.
My heart and my soul ring out their joy
to God, the living God.

The sparrow herself finds a home
and the swallow a nest for her brood;
she lays her young by your altars,
Lord of hosts, my king and my God.

They are happy, who dwell in your house,
for ever singing your praise.
They are happy, whose strength is in you,
in whose hearts are the roads to Zion.

As they go through the Bitter Valley
they make it a place of springs
(the autumn rain covers it with blessings).
They walk with ever growing strength,
they will see the God of gods in Zion.

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer,
give ear, O God of Jacob.
Turn your eyes, O God, our shield,
look on the face of your anointed.

One day within your courts
is better than a thousand elsewhere.
The threshold of the house of God
I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked.

For the Lord God is a rampart, a shield;
he will give us his favor and glory.
The Lord will not refuse any good
to those who walk without blame.

Lord, God of hosts,
happy the man who trusts in you!

Glory be...

Ant. Chorus angelórum te suscípiat,
et cum Lázaro quondam páupere
ætérnam hábeas réquiem.

May choirs of angels welcome you
and with Lazarus, who is poor no longer,
may you have eternal rest.


57. Then the prayer on the Psalm is said:

Pater bone,
cuius in domo dulce est habitáre
tua perfruéndo amicítia,
exáudi, quæsumus,
preces quas pro Papa nostro N. fúndimus;
véniam ei concéde delictórum,
quæ humána fragilitáte commísit,
et in beatitúdinis sempitérnæ luce eum constítue.
Per Cristum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.

Good and gracious Father, 
in whose house it is a joy to dwell 
and to live in your friendship,
hear, we pray,
the prayers we offer you
for our Pope N.
forgive the sins
he committed in human weakness
and welcome him into the light of eternal happiness.
Through Christ our Lord.


58. The Gospel chant follows.

(R. Alleluia, alleluia.)

Mt 25, 34

Veníte, benedícti Patris mei, dicit Dóminus;
possidéte parátum vobis regnum a costitutione mundi.

Come, you who are blessed by my Father, says the Lord;
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

(R. Alleluia, alleluia.)


59. The deacon or priest proclaims the Gospel.

In my Father's house there are many places

 Lectio sancti Evangelii secundum Ioannem 14, 1-6
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.


60. After the proclamation of the Gospel, a period of silence is observed. Then the prayer of supplication is said.

The presider says:
Deum ómnium Patrem deprecémur, 
qui hódie nos congregávit 
ad preces pro defúncto Románo Pontífice N. fundéndas ut, 
mystérium Christi mortis et resurrectiónis meditántes, 
eius salutíferæ virtútis fáciat esse partícipes.

Let us pray to God, the Father of all nations, 
who today has gathered us 
to raise our supplications for the deceased Roman Pontiff N.
that, as we meditate upon the mystery 
of Christ’s death and resurrection, 
we may become sharers in the power of his saving grace.

The Deacon or Cantor:
Dóminum deprecémur.
R. Te rogámus, audi nos.

Let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.

1. Pro defuncto Papa N.
ut pastórum ille Princeps, 
qui semper vivit ad interpellándum pro nobis, 
eum benigne excipiat, 
Dóminum deprecémur.
R. Te rogámus, audi nos.

For the deceased Pope N.:
that the Supreme Shepherd, 
who ever lives to intercede for us, 
may graciously receive him, 
let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.

2. Pro Ecclésia sancta Dei 
suo Pastóre orbáta: 
ut his diébus in oratióne perseverans, 
altiórem communiónem experiátur, 
Christi mortem et resurrectiónem proclámet, 
Dei providéntiæ fidénti ánimo se committat, 
Dóminum deprecémur.
R. Te rogámus, audi nos.

For the holy Church of God,
deprived of her Pastor:
that in these days, persevering in prayer, 
she may experience a deeper communion, 
proclaim the death and resurrection of Christ, 
and entrust herself with confidence to divine providence, let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.

3. Pro cunctárum natiónum moderatóribus: 
ut verba Dómini, ab Ecclésiæ pastóribus nuntiáta, 
ómnibus víribus sectántes, 
humánam famíliam in unitáte, 
iustítia pacéque constituant, 
Dóminum deprecémur.
R. Te rogámus, audi nos.

For the rulers of all nations:
that, resolutely following 
the words of the Lord as proclaimed by the pastors of the Church, 
they may establish the human family 
in unity, justice, and peace, 
let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.

4. Pro nobis in fide 
et spe resurrectiónis hic congregátis: 
ut pastórum Ecclésiæ magistério semper inveniámur fidéles 
eorúmque præcéptis dóciles, 
Dóminum deprecémur.
R. Te rogámus, audi nos.

For all of us gathered here 
in faith and in the hope of the resurrection:
that we may remain ever faithful 
to the teaching authority of the Church’s pastors 
and docile to their instruction, 
let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.

5. Pro Ecclésiæ pastóribus 
qui in spe resurrectiónis dormiérunt: 
ut celésti liturgiæ eos fáciat esse partícipes, 
Dóminum deprecémur.
R. Te rogámus, audi nos.

For the pastors of the Church 
who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection:
that they may be admitted to share in the heavenly liturgy, 
let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.

After the final intercession, all sing the Our Father.

The one who presides concludes the prayer by saying:
Exáudi nos, Deus, salutáris noster, 
una cum ómnibus sanctis te deprecántes, 
et ánimam fámuli tui Papæ nostri N.
qui Ecclésiæ oratióne est confísus, 
electórum tuórum iunge consórtio. 
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.

O God, our salvation, 
graciously hear our supplications, which we make together with all the Saints, 
and welcome into the assembly of your chosen ones 
the soul of your servant and our Pope N.
who trusted in the prayer of the Church.
Through Christ our Lord.


Réquiem ætérnam dona ei, Dómine.
R. Et lux perpétua lúceat ei.

Requiéscat in pace.
R. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
R. And let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.
R. Amen 


Recitation of the Rosary

61. It is recommended that at the established time and, if deemed appropriate, while the faithful approach the coffin of the Pontiff, the Rosary be recited under the guidance of the person designated by the Master of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff and in the form indicated by him.

***

Monday, April 6, 2026

Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (1st edition): Certification of Death of the Roman Pontiff

Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis
(First edition, 2000)


FIRST STATION
IN THE HOUSE OF THE DECEASED PONTIFF

***

INFORMATIVE NOTE

5. The rite of the funeral of the Roman Pontiff includes three stations: in the house, in the Vatican Basilica, and in the place of burial.

6. First Station. This takes place in the papal household and includes two moments: the confirmation of the death of the Supreme Pontiff and the exposition of the body in a suitable place.

7. The confirmation of the death of the Roman Pontiff is a prayerful moment of ecclesial character: all acts performed must express Christian piety. Present at the confirmation of the death are the Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, the Substitute of the Secretariat of State, the Master of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, the Cleric Prelates, the Secretary-Chancellor of the Apostolic Camera, the family members, and the Physician, Director of Health Services of the Vatican City State (cf. Universi Dominici Gregis, n. 17).

***

Certification of Death

20. Upon receiving news of the death of the Supreme Pontiff from the Prefect of the Papal Household, the Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, the Substitute of the Secretariat of State, the Master of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, the Cleric Prelates of the Apostolic Camera, as well as the relatives and family members of the Roman Pontiff, go together to the deceased's room with the Doctor, Director of Health Services of the Vatican City State, who is responsible for certifying death (cf. Universi Dominici Gregis, n. 17).

21. The Cardinal Camerlengo strengthens the faith of those present by blessing God:

Cf. 2 Cor 1:3; Rom 14:7–8


Benedictus Deus, 
Pater misericordiarum
et Deus totius consolatiónis;
nemo nostrum sibi vivit,
et nemo sibi móritur,
sive ergo vivimus sive mórimur
filii eius semper sumus.
R. Benedictus Deus in sæcula.

Blessed be God,
the Father of mercies
and the God of all consolation.
None of us lives for oneself,
and none of us dies for oneself;
if we live, we live for the Lord,
and if we die, we die for the Lord.
So then, whether we live or die,
we are the Lord’s.
R. Blessed be God forever.


22. The Doctor, Director of the Health Services of the Vatican City State, draws up a report on the examination of the body of the Supreme Pontiff and on the confirmation of his death, carried out by himself or by the board of doctors, and on the cause that provoked it and reads it to those present.

23. The Cardinal Camerlengo declares:

Pastor noster, Románus Pontifex N.
cum Christo mortuus est.
Firmiter crédimus quia simul cum Christo vivet.
Nam, si complantáti facti sumus
similitudini mortis eius,
sed et resurrectionis érimus (Rom 6, 5).

Our Shepherd, the Roman Pontiff N. [name of the Pope], 
has died in Christ.
We firmly believe that he will live with Christ. 
For “if we have been united with him
in a death like his,
we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Rom 6:5).


24. After a moment of silence, the Cardinal Camerlengo invites those present to prayer with these words:

Preces nostras Deo Patri fundamus,
qui sua imperscrutabili providentia
sanctæ Ecclésiæ Pastorem N. 
ex hac vita ad se revocavit.

Let us offer our prayers to God the Father, 
who in his inscrutable providence 
has called to himself from this life 
the Shepherd of the holy Church, N. [name of the Pope].

Then the responsory is said or sung.

Subvenite, Sancti Dei, occúrrite, Angeli Dómini:
Suscipiéntes ánimam eius: *
Offeréntes eam in conspectu Altissimi.

Suscipiat te Christus, qui vocávit te:
et in sinum Abrahæ Angeli deducant te.
Suscipiéntes ánimam eius: *
Offeréntes eam in conspectu Altissimi.

Réquiem ætérnam dona ei, Dómine,
et lux perpétua luceat ei.
Offeréntes eam in conspectu Altissimi.

Come help, saints of God; hurry, angels of the Lord
Taking up his soul
and offering it before the eyes of the Most High.

May Christ, who has called you, receive you,
and may the angels lead you to the bosom of Abraham.
Taking up his soul 
and offering it before the eyes of the Most High.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
Taking up his soul 
and offering it before the eyes of the Most High.


25. The Cardinal Camerlengo invites all to prayer, saying:

Oremus:

Let us pray.

And all pray for a moment in silence. Then he continues:

Tibi, Dómine, commendamus 
fámulum tuum Papam nostrum N.
quem Ecclésiæ tuæ præésse voluisti,
ut defunctus sæculo tibi vivat,
et quæ, per fragilitatem humanæ conversationis,
peccáta commisit,
tu vénia misericordissimæ pietatis abstérge.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.

We commend to you, O Lord, 
your faithful servant, our Pope N. [name of the Pope],
whom you willed to be the shepherd of your Church,
that, having left this world, he may live in you.
In your mercy blot out the sins he committed
through the frailty of human nature,
and grant him pardon and peace.
Through Christ our Lord.


26. Then the "Salve, Regina" or another antiphon to the Blessed Virgin Mary is sung or said, to whom the Pontiff often recommended the hour of his death during his life.

27. The Secretary-Chancellor of the Apostolic Camera draws up the authentic death certificate, to which he attaches the certificate from the Doctor, the Director of Health Services of the Vatican City State.

28. The Doctor, Director of Health Services of the Vatican City State, arranges everything for the perfect preservation of the body of the Supreme Pontiff so that the exposition of the body takes place with the utmost decorum and respect. Under the supervision and responsibility of the Master of Liturgical Celebrations, the body of the Supreme Pontiff is vested in red pontifical vestments, similar to those used in the celebration of the Mass, along with the pastoral cross, miter, and pallium.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES OF POPE LEO XIV: MARCH 2026

 


Here are the activities that the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, did for the month of March 2026, highlighted by his second foreign apostolic journey and the celebration of his first Holy Week as Pope. The times indicated in various events and activities are local times in Rome and in Monaco during the Apostolic Journey.

Legend:
Red text: Liturgical Celebrations
Blue text: Audiences and other commitments announced in advance
Orange text: Acts for special occasion
Green text: Apostolic Journey / Rest day

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March 2026

3.1 - 12 nn: Angelus Domini
Pastoral visit to the Roman Parish of Ascensione di Nostro Signore Gesù Cristo; meeting with children in the oratory courtyard; meeting in the parish hall with the sick and the elderly; 5 pm: Holy Mass; meeting in the Parish hall with the Parish Pastoral Council; Before returning to the Vatican, greeting the faithful gathered outside the parish.

3.2 - Audience for Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of the Republic of Malta, and Entourage.
10.45 am: Audience in the Clementine Hall for the communities of the Apulian Theological Faculty and the Theological Institute of Calabria.

3.3 - Weekly Rest at Castel Gandolfo

3.4 - 10 am: Wednesday General Audience at St. Peter's Square

3.5 - Audience for Alexander Van der Bellen, President of the Republic of Austria, with his wife and entourage.
Audience for Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, with his wife.
Audience for Professor Stephen Bullivant, with Professor Stephen Cranney.
Audience for Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore and entourage.
Audience for Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and entourage.

3.6 - 9 am: Listening to the first Lenten sermon by Fr. Roberto Pasolini, O.F.M. Cap. in the Paul VI Hall.
Audience for the Bishops of Nigeria who came for an "ad limina" visit.

3.7 - Audience for Inga Ruginienė, Prime Minister of Lithuania, and entourage.
Audience for Bernard Ars, President of the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations.
11.30 am: Audience in the Clementine Hall for the members of the Military Ordinariate for Italy on the occasion of the centenary of its foundation.
Message sent to the participants in the International Meeting for Peace and Reconciliation at Loyola University of Chicago.

3.8 - 12 nn: Angelus Domini
Pastoral visit to the Roman Parish of S. Maria della PresentazioneImpromptu greeting at the churchyard; meeting with the sick and disabled in the parish complex; 5 pmHoly Mass; meeting with the pastoral council in the parish hall; before returning to the Vatican, greeting to the faithful in the parish square.

3.9 - Audience for the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željko Komšić, Chairman of the Presidency, Denis Bećirović, and Željka Cvijanović.
The Holy Father presided this morning, in the Sala Bologna, over a meeting of the heads of departments of the Roman Curia.

3.11 - 10 amWednesday General Audience at St. Peter's Square; Appeal for peace in Iran and the Middle East.

3.12 - Audience for Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and entourage.
Audience for the Delegation of the “Worldwide Marriage Encounter."
11.30 am: Audience in the Clementine Hall for the participants in the 4th “Chair of Hospitality” promoted by the Fraterna Domus of Sacrofano.

3.13 - 9 amListening to the second Lenten sermon by Fr. Roberto Pasolini, O.F.M. Cap. in the Paul VI Hall.
11.45 am: Audience in the Consistory Hall for the members of the Board of Directors of the “Fondazione Cattolica”.
12.15 pm: Audience in the Clementine Hall for the participants in the XXXVI Course on the Internal Forum organized by the Apostolic Penitentiary.
Message to the president of FADICA—Catholic Philanthropy Network, Alexia Kelley, on the occasion of the celebrations of its 50th anniversary.
Message by the Holy Father signed by the Cardinal Secretary of State was sent to Professor Betül Tanbay on the occasion of the International Day of Mathematics.

3.14 - Audience for the second group of Bishops of Nigeria who came for an "ad limina" visit.
11.30 am: The Holy Father presided over, in the Hall of Blessings, the opening ceremony of the Judicial Year of the Tribunal of the Vatican City State, in the presence of the President of the Tribunal, the Officials, the Lawyers, the Tribunal's Collaborators, and Representatives of the Judicial Bodies of the Italian State.

3.15 - 12 nn: Angelus Domini 
Pastoral visit to the Roman Parish of Sacro Cuore di Gesù a Ponte Mammolo: meeting with children and young people at the sports field; meeting with the elderly, the sick, a representative of the poor and homeless, and the volunteers who care for them inside the parish complex; 5 pmHoly Mass; meeting with the pastoral council in the parish hall; final greeting to the faithful in the parish square before returning to the Vatican.

3.16 - Audience for Gareth Gore, journalist.
11.30 am: Audience in the Consistory Hall for the participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
12 nn: Audience in the Clementine Hall for the members of the editorial staff of RAI TG2 with their families on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its foundation.
The Holy See Press Office stated that in the morning, the Holy Father received a telephone call from Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, concerning the alarming developments in the conflict in the Middle East and the living conditions of the Palestinian people.

3.17 - Video message to the participants in the Sixth Assembly of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA), taking place in Bogotá from 16 to 20 March 2026

3.18 - 9 am: Audience in the room beside the Paul VI Hall for the participants in the conference "Today, who is my neighbor?” sponsored by the Council of European Bishops' Conferences, the World Health Organization (Europe Region), and the Italian Bishops' Conference.
10 amWednesday General Audience at St. Peter's Square

3.19 - Message on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Amoris Laetitia"

3.20 - 9 amListening to the third Lenten sermon by Fr. Roberto Pasolini, O.F.M. Cap., in the Paul VI Hall.
Audience for their Majesties Felipe VI, King of Spain, with Queen Letizia, and entourage.
Audience for the bishops of Uganda, who came for an “ad Limina Apostolorum” visit.

3.21 - Audience for Raphaël Cornu-Thénard, head of the “Congrès Mission” association, and entourage.
Audience for Brother Matthew, Prior of Taizé.
12.30 pm: Audience in the Clementine Hall for the participants in the General Assembly of the Work of Mary, Focolare Movement, which will take place from 1 to 21 March 2026 at the Mariapolis Centre in Castel Gandolfo (Rome).

3.22 - 12 nn: Angelus Domini
A message for the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Abkhazia and Bichvinta, was sent to His Eminence Shio, Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku.

3.23 - In the presence of the Holy Father, five decrees from the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints regarding the offer of life and heroic virtues were promulgated.
12 nn: Audience in the Clementine Hall for the managers and staff of ITA Airways.

3.24 - Weekly Rest at Castel Gandolfo

3.25 - 8.30 am: Audience in the studio of the Paul VI Hall for the delegation from the "Program for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa."
10 amWednesday General Audience at St. Peter's Square
Message for the 63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

3.26 - Audience for Borjana Krišto, President of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and entourage.
Audience for Members of the Presidency of the “Leadership Conference of Women Religious."
12.30 pm: Audience in the Clementine Hall for the participants in the meeting promoted by the National Transplant Center.
Message to Rev. Sarah Mullally on the occasion of her installation as the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, which took place on 25 March 2026, in Canterbury Cathedral.
A telegram of condolence was sent to the Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Nang for the death of Cardinal Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Mân.

3.27 -  9 amListening to the fourth Lenten sermon by Fr. Roberto Pasolini, O.F.M. Cap., in the Paul VI Hall.
Audience for the bishops of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Gambia, who came for an “ad Limina Apostolorum” visit.


2nd FOREIGN APOSTOLIC PILGRIMAGE
Monaco: 28 March

3.287 amDeparture by helicopter from the Vatican City Heliport, bound for Monaco
The Holy Father sent a telegram to the heads of state of Italy and France.

9 am: Arrival at the Monaco Heliport; official welcome by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.

9.25 am: Welcome Ceremony in the Prince’s Palace of Monaco  
9.40 am: Courtesy visit to H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco; private meeting in the Salon de Famille; greeting the people from the balcony of the palace with the prince and his family, speech; signing the book of honor in the Salon des Glaces.

Transfer by popemobile to the Cathedral.

11 amMeeting with the Catholic Community in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; the meeting was in the form of a midday prayer.

Transfer by popemobile to the Church dedicated to Sainte-Dévote, the patron saint of Monaco.

11.45 amMeeting with young people and catechumens in the area in front of the Church of Sainte-Dévote; prayer in the church; listening to the testimonies of several young people and catechumens; speech; recitation of the Pater Noster and blessing.

Transfer to the archbishop's palace for lunch and a short rest.

3.30 pm: Holy Mass at Louis II Stadium in the presence of the sovereigns and attended by 15,000 faithful; greeting some people assisted by ecclesiastical and lay associations at the end of the Mass.
.
Transfer by car to the Heliport.

5.35 pmOfficial Farewell at the Monaco Heliport
5.45 pmDeparture by helicopter from Monaco Heliport, bound for Vatican City.
Telegram to Prince Alber II of Monaco.

7.45 pm: Arrival at the Vatican City Heliport


3.29 - Holy Week
10 am: Blessing of the Palms, Procession, and Holy Mass; concelebrated by cardinals, archbishops, bishops, prelates, and priests and attended by 40,000 faithful people including Prince Albert and his family.
12 nn: Angelus Domini

3.30 - Audience for Elena Gelosa, Senior Vice President, “The Rockefeller Foundation."
11 am: Audience in the Hall of Popes for the Members of the Ausilia Foundation.
11.30 am: Audience in the Consistory Hall for the Monastic Community of the Abbey of Saint Scholastica in Subiaco; Monastic Community of the Abbey of Santa Maria del Monte in Cesena, and the Benedictine Nuns of the Abbey of Saint Scholastica in Bari.
12 nn: Audience in the Clementine Hall for the delegation of the Illinois Municipal League.

3.31 - Weekly Rest at Castel Gandolfo

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For previous months of the activities of Pope Leo XIV:

2026: