By Neta Nwosu

• Archbishop Martins announces special Mass for April 23
• Declares a mourning period

With deep sorrow but profound gratitude, the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos has announced the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. The announcement was made in a solemn circular by Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, who invited the faithful to reflect on the Pope’s legacy of service, simplicity, and spiritual leadership.

Born December 17, 1936, Pope Francis was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1969, consecrated a bishop in 1992, and made a cardinal in 2001. He was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, and served the universal Church for 12 transformative years.
“We give thanks to God for the life of committed service and personal sacrifice that characterised his pontificate,” Archbishop Martins said. “He made remarkable contributions to the life of the Church until his death.”

To honour the late Pontiff, the Archdiocese will hold a Holy Mass for the repose of his soul on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 12 noon, at the Holy Cross Cathedral. The Archbishop called on parishioners from across all parishes in the Archdiocese to participate in the Mass in large numbers, describing it as “an act of love and devotion” to the late Pope, who served as the Vicar of Christ on earth.
A condolence register will be opened at the Holy Cross Cathedral beginning Tuesday, April 22, for priests, religious, and lay faithful to express their sympathies.

In recognition of the Pope’s death, the Archdiocese has also declared a nine-day mourning period from Monday, April 21, through Wednesday, April 29, 2025. During this time:
Papal flags in all parishes are to be flown at half-mast.
Photographs of Pope Francis may be displayed in Churches with flowers placed in front of them.
Special prayers and petitions for the repose of his soul are to be included in all Masses.
The faithful are also urged to recite the Prayer during a Sede Vacante at the end of Masses and in personal or family devotions, invoking God’s guidance for the Church and the election of a new Pope.

Though the funeral date of Pope Francis is yet to be announced by the Vatican, Archbishop Martins encouraged the faithful to pray for the Church during this transitional period, asking the Lord to bless His flock with a worthy successor.
Pope Francis, known for his humility, pastoral heart, and unwavering commitment to the poor and marginalized, leaves behind a legacy that has reshaped the modern Church. His teachings on mercy, environmental care, synodality, and inclusivity resonated deeply with Catholics across the globe.

As the world mourns, the Church prays: “May the soul of our Holy Father, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.