PHOTOS | 'A Total Gift of Self': Archbishop Aquila Concludes Novemdiales for Pope Francis

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila celebrates the 10:30 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception to conclude the nine days of mourning for Pope Francis on Sunday, May 4, 2025. (Photo by Daniel Petty)

As the universal Church concluded the novemdiales, or nine days of mourning for Pope Francis, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila celebrated the 10:30 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday, May 4.

In his homily, Archbishop Aquila pointed out how fitting the Gospel reading for this Third Sunday of Easter was for the occasion: “It is appropriate we have these readings where we encounter Peter, since Francis was Peter on this earth for 12 years.”

Expanding on Pope Francis’ particular call to follow in Peter’s footsteps, Archbishop Aquila emphasized that the faithful are all called to be disciples and invite others to encounter Christ.

Pope Francis, he said, intended the Jubilee Year of Hope to be “a moment of genuine personal encounter with the Lord Jesus.” In that encounter, Jesus gives us a total gift of self, and he looks for that same gift “in Peter and in every disciple, in every one of us that sheds a tear today.”

Father Samuel Morehead, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, said he’s been moved by the number of people visiting the Cathedral to grieve.

“We’ve had a lot of people come to pay their respects before the picture of the pope and the candle that’s burning,” he said. “People have brought flowers and left mementos, and to see their emotions is a beautiful expression of how much the pope, whom they probably never met, meant to them. The pope is a father — that’s why we call him ‘pope.’ It means ‘papa.’ He’s the Holy Father of the Church, and his death is powerful for all the Catholic faithful.”

Reflecting on the legacy Pope Francis has left behind, Father Morehead characterized him as “a conversation starter” who “got people to grapple with challenging issues, sometimes controversial ones, in the life of the Church, and to become less afraid about having the hard but necessary conversations.” He believes this aspect of Pope Francis’ style prompted many Catholics to dig deeper into their faith and the teachings of the Church.

Deacon Robert Rinne processes into the Mass concluding the nine days of mourning for Pope Francis.

Archbishop Aquila incenses the altar at the Mass concluding nine days of mourning for Pope Francis.

Carmelite sisters pray during the Mass to conclude nine days of mourning for Pope Francis.

Archbishop Aquila elevates the Eucharist at the Mass concluding the nine days of mourning.

The faithful gather to pray for the repose of Pope Francis' soul on the final day of mourning.

The faithful offer each other the sign of peace at the Mass concluding the nine days of mourning.

Father Samuel Morehead and Archbishop Aquila distribute Communion.

Archbishop Aquila processes out of Mass alongside Deacon Robert Rinne.

Father Samuel Morehead blesses the congregation with holy water.

A memorial for Pope Francis was established in front of the Cathedral's altar of the Sacred Heart.

The faithful gather to pray for the repose of Pope Francis' soul on the final day of mourning.

(Photos by Daniel Petty)

Those in attendance expressed gratitude for Pope Francis’ papacy and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Justin Boneau credits the late Holy Father as instrumental in his reversion to Catholicism.

“I was born a cradle Catholic, but after I enlisted in the Navy, I fell away from the Church for a while,” he said. “I felt Pope Francis’ genuineness in reaching out to those that have fallen away from the Church, and that spoke to me.

“I think that he was coming from a place of trying to reach out to as many people as he could,” Boneau continued. “Like all the faithful, I’ve been praying for him, and I hope that through the conclave the Holy Spirit picks somebody that can shepherd us into a new era in our faith.”

With the mourning period over, Catholics around the world are turning their focus toward the conclave and praying for the cardinals there. The conclave will begin on Wednesday, May 7.

READ MORE: More than a Movie: What is a Conclave? And Other Papal Questions, Answered

“The pope’s picture, the bunting and the signs of mourning will come down at the end of the day today,” said Father Morehead, “and since the cardinals themselves have asked the world urgently for prayers, we’ve heeded that at the Cathedral Basilica. We will have Eucharistic holy hours each and every day until the white smoke comes out of the chimney and we hear, ‘Habemus papam!’ from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.”