Monaco Declares National Mourning Following the Death of Pope Francis
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, leading to a period of global mourning.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM in the Vatican's Domus Sanctae Marthae residence at the age of 88. According to the official medical report, he succumbed to a stroke followed by a coma and irreversible cardiac collapse.
The first Latin American pope and a member of the Jesuit order, he was elected to the papacy in 2013. His last public appearance was at the Urbi et Orbi blessing on Easter Sunday, the day before his passing, leading to a worldwide period of mourning and plans for his interment as per his wishes in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
In a heartfelt statement, Prince Albert II of Monaco expressed "infinite sadness and profound grief" at the announcement.
He conveyed his sincerest condolences to the Catholic Church and to all believers, stating, "May his tireless message of love, brotherhood, peace, faith, justice, mercy, compassion, and respect for our nature continue to nourish our thoughts and commitments to the common good and illuminate a world he has marked with his imprint."
The principality's government joined in mourning, offering condolences to Archbishop of Monaco, the Monaco clergy, and the Catholic community, emphasizing shared sorrow.
The National Council also expressed their respects, with President Thomas Brezzo remarking on the pope's humanity and commitment to dialogue, which resonated with believers and non-believers alike, particularly in regards to the plight of the less fortunate.
The municipality of Monaco similarly conveyed their deep sadness and condolences to the Church and its faithful.
This event signifies the end of a twelve-year pontificate marked by an emphasis on humility, closeness to the marginalized, and a steadfast commitment to social justice and environmental issues.
In response to the pope's death, Prince Albert II has officially declared a three-day national mourning period from April 24 to April 26, coinciding with the date of the pope's funeral.
This action highlights Monaco's deep connection to the Holy See and the emotional impact of this loss on the Monegasque people.
During the mourning period, flags will be flown at half-mast on all public buildings beginning the same day of the pope's passing, and the buildings will remain unlit throughout the mourning period.
A minute of silence will be observed on April 25 at 11 AM, accompanied by a siren sounding throughout the principality, inviting residents and visitors to reflect and pay their respects.
Despite the mourning, essential public services and private sectors will continue their operations to balance respect for the deceased with the ongoing needs of daily life.
On April 22, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène attended a pontifical mass held in honor of Pope Francis at the Cathedral of Monaco, officiated by Archbishop Dominique-Marie David.
The ceremony gathered Monaco's highest authorities and many faithful for a time of reflection and reverence, underscoring the close relationship between the principality and the Holy See and the profound spiritual impact of Pope Francis's pontificate.
The government of Monaco issued a statement extending its sincere condolences to the Archbishop and clergy, urging for the teachings and universal message of Pope Francis to continue inspiring future generations.
National Council members voiced their shared sorrow with the Monegasque community, stating that Pope Francis's approach to humanity and dialogue left a significant mark on all who care about the world's future, particularly the disadvantaged.
The city council of Monaco and its mayor, Georges Marsan, also expressed their profound sadness, offering condolences to the Catholic Church and its faithful during this difficult time.
Looking ahead, Pope Francis's funeral is scheduled for April 26, 2025, at the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome.
This marks the first time a pope has died in office since the passing of Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2005.
Following the pope's death, a nine-day mourning period is customary, with the funeral typically occurring between four to six days after death.
According to his wishes, Pope Francis will be interred in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore rather than Saint Peter's Basilica.
A conclave to elect his successor will commence between fifteen to twenty days after his death, with only cardinals under 80 years old participating in the vote.
An interim leader, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will assume limited powers until a new pope is elected.
The first Latin American pope and a member of the Jesuit order, he was elected to the papacy in 2013. His last public appearance was at the Urbi et Orbi blessing on Easter Sunday, the day before his passing, leading to a worldwide period of mourning and plans for his interment as per his wishes in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
In a heartfelt statement, Prince Albert II of Monaco expressed "infinite sadness and profound grief" at the announcement.
He conveyed his sincerest condolences to the Catholic Church and to all believers, stating, "May his tireless message of love, brotherhood, peace, faith, justice, mercy, compassion, and respect for our nature continue to nourish our thoughts and commitments to the common good and illuminate a world he has marked with his imprint."
The principality's government joined in mourning, offering condolences to Archbishop of Monaco, the Monaco clergy, and the Catholic community, emphasizing shared sorrow.
The National Council also expressed their respects, with President Thomas Brezzo remarking on the pope's humanity and commitment to dialogue, which resonated with believers and non-believers alike, particularly in regards to the plight of the less fortunate.
The municipality of Monaco similarly conveyed their deep sadness and condolences to the Church and its faithful.
This event signifies the end of a twelve-year pontificate marked by an emphasis on humility, closeness to the marginalized, and a steadfast commitment to social justice and environmental issues.
In response to the pope's death, Prince Albert II has officially declared a three-day national mourning period from April 24 to April 26, coinciding with the date of the pope's funeral.
This action highlights Monaco's deep connection to the Holy See and the emotional impact of this loss on the Monegasque people.
During the mourning period, flags will be flown at half-mast on all public buildings beginning the same day of the pope's passing, and the buildings will remain unlit throughout the mourning period.
A minute of silence will be observed on April 25 at 11 AM, accompanied by a siren sounding throughout the principality, inviting residents and visitors to reflect and pay their respects.
Despite the mourning, essential public services and private sectors will continue their operations to balance respect for the deceased with the ongoing needs of daily life.
On April 22, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène attended a pontifical mass held in honor of Pope Francis at the Cathedral of Monaco, officiated by Archbishop Dominique-Marie David.
The ceremony gathered Monaco's highest authorities and many faithful for a time of reflection and reverence, underscoring the close relationship between the principality and the Holy See and the profound spiritual impact of Pope Francis's pontificate.
The government of Monaco issued a statement extending its sincere condolences to the Archbishop and clergy, urging for the teachings and universal message of Pope Francis to continue inspiring future generations.
National Council members voiced their shared sorrow with the Monegasque community, stating that Pope Francis's approach to humanity and dialogue left a significant mark on all who care about the world's future, particularly the disadvantaged.
The city council of Monaco and its mayor, Georges Marsan, also expressed their profound sadness, offering condolences to the Catholic Church and its faithful during this difficult time.
Looking ahead, Pope Francis's funeral is scheduled for April 26, 2025, at the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome.
This marks the first time a pope has died in office since the passing of Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2005.
Following the pope's death, a nine-day mourning period is customary, with the funeral typically occurring between four to six days after death.
According to his wishes, Pope Francis will be interred in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore rather than Saint Peter's Basilica.
A conclave to elect his successor will commence between fifteen to twenty days after his death, with only cardinals under 80 years old participating in the vote.
An interim leader, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will assume limited powers until a new pope is elected.