World Church · November 8, 2026
Also published in Português (Brasil)
Pope Leo XIV Leads Mass for Deceased Cardinals and Bishops
Pope Leo XIV presided over a requiem mass for the cardinals and bishops who passed away during the previous year. The service took place on November 5, 2026, at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
During his homily, the Pope stated that lives in Christ are saved and that death cannot break the bonds that connect believers. He described the act of praying for the deceased as a celebration of life and a praise of the life of the risen Lord Christ.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the church has practiced praying for the departed since its early beginnings, viewing it as a fundamental duty. He linked the mystery of death to the hope of resurrection and the communion of saints, noting that these prayers are rooted in the promise that lives in Christ do not vanish in vain.
Referring to the story of Judas Maccabeus, the Pope noted that offering sacrifices for the dead is an act of faith based on the conviction that the dead will rise again. He asserted that if there were no resurrection of the dead, praying for them would be futile.
The Pope further explained that praying for the deceased is a reciprocal communion inspired by the Holy Spirit. He stated that death does not sever bonds in Christ but transforms them into a new dimension, which can only be understood through the mystery of the love of the Lord and the victory of the Pascha.