Liturgy of Remembrance for Pope Francis (Secondary) 2025

Liturgy of Remembrance for Pope Francis

Paul Skippen

22 Apr 2025

Loved by God, Friend to the Margins, Pilgrim of Hope

Setting the Space

A large photo of Pope Francis is placed with the School Candle and an open Book of the Gospels. (Alternatively, a rolling collection of photos could be projected on the screen.)

Around it, student-written prayers of symbols of hope (e.g., doves, footprints, hearts …).

Music playing softly as the assembly gathers.

About this Ritual

This liturgy is a space for students to pause, reflect, and honour the life and legacy of Pope Francis – a man who walked humbly, spoke boldly, and loved deeply.

Designed with secondary students in mind, this ritual doesn’t just remember a Church leader from afar – it brings his mission close to home. Through scripture, prayer, story, song, and action, students are invited to connect with the radical compassion, courage, and hope that Pope Francis lived.

It’s not just a time of mourning – it’s a call to live differently. To walk with the poor, care for creation, and speak up for justice. To be, as Pope Francis said, young people who “make a mess” for good.

This ritual is grounded in gratitude, alive with meaning. and full of the Spirit that Pope Francis so joyfully shared. It’s an invitation not just to look back – but to step forward.

WE GATHER

Song

Not Me, But God! (John Burland)

(Based on the life and writings of Saint Carlo Acutis)

Welcome & Introduction

Today, we gather not just in sadness, but in deep gratitude. Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Catholic Church, has returned to God. He wasn’t just a Church leader – he was a voice for justice, a friend to the forgotten, and a champion of young people. His heart beat with love for all creation. He reminded us that faith isn’t about power – it’s about service, simplicity, and love. And so today, we remember him – not like a distant figure in Rome, but as someone who truly walked the talk.

Call to Prayer

Invite a student (or other significant person) to come forward and light the School Candle.

Leader :

As we light this candle, we remember Pope Francis – a light in the world, a voice for the voiceless, a heart for the margins. In this flame, we see his faith, his courage, his love for people and planet. May this small light remind us that one life, lived with compassion, can spark change in hearts across the world. God of love, receive him into your eternal light. And help us carry forward his dream of a more just and gentle world. Amen.

Optional YouTube Reflection

Pope Francis – “Are You Ready to Say ‘Yes’?”

Opening Prayer

Leader :

Let us pray … (pause) …

All :

God of compassion, You gave us Pope Francis as a light in dark places – a leader who reminded us to smell like the sheep, to care for the planet, to welcome the refugee, to stand with the poor. As we grieve, help us carry forward what he began. Let his legacy live on in our lives, in our schools, in our Church. May he rest in Your peace and rise in Your glory. Amen.

WE LISTEN

Scripture

Matthew 25: 35 – 36

Reader :

Jesus said,
“I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick in prison and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.”

The Story

Pope Francis – A Heart that Changed the World

Reader :

Pope Francis didn’t lead the Church from a throne. He led from the streets. From refugee camps, prisons, slums, and soup kitchens. He walked with the poor. Sat with the broken. Listened to the young.

He reminded the world that the Church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners. That faith isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being real, being kind, being brave enough to care.

He told us, “Go make a mess.” Not a reckless mess – but the kind that comes when you stir things up for justice. When you speak out for those no one listens to. When you live with purpose, not just for yourself, but for something greater.

Pope Francis didn’t just talk about love – he lived it. Love for creation. Love for the forgotten. Love for the whole human family.

He’s gone now. But his mission? That’s not over. It’s ours to pick up.

So let’s not just remember Pope Francis. Let’s live like he did. With heart. With hope. With guts.

That’s how we honour his legacy – not with statues or silence, but with action.

WE RESPOND

Litany of Gratitude

Leader :

Ritual Action

Carrying the Light

Student representatives are invited to comes forward and light a tealight candle from the School Candle.

As they light their candle, they are invited to whisper a word that describes Pope Francis to them. (“courage,” “mercy,” “peace,” “compassion,” “rebel with a cause,” “street-level shepherd,” “hope dealer”)

WE GO

Closing Prayer

Principal :

God of Eternal Life, You have called Pope Francis home. We entrust him to Your loving arms – With all the saints, with all the holy ones, with all the people he served. May his example burn brightly in the heart of every young person here. May we live simply, love deeply, and walk humbly, just like he taught us. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

All :

Amen.

Blessing

Commissioning Song

Hope in the Holy One (A Jubilee Anthem) (Timothy Hart)

Discussion Questions

(for homeroom or classroom follow-up)

Pope Francis said, “Go, make a mess.” What do you think he meant by that? How can you “make a mess” for justice in your world today?

Pope Francis spoke out about climate change and protecting the planet. Do you think the Church should be involved in environmental issues? Why or why not?

Pope Francis often chose to stand with the poor, refugees, and people on the margins. Who are the people on the margins in your community, and what would he challenge you do about it?

Pope Francis said, “Young people must not be afraid to dream big.” What does a bold, faith-filled dream look like? Is faith even part of your dream? Why or why not? Pope Francis called the Church to be “a field hospital after battle.” Do you think the Church today is more of a sanctuary or a judgment zone? How do we shift it?

Pope Francis welcomed people from all walks of life, including those the Church has sometimes excluded. What does radical inclusion look like in your school, church, or friendship group?

Pope Francis challenged young people not to just scroll, but to act. What’s one issue in the world that makes you want to stop scrolling and do something? What’s holding you back?