By The East Tennessee Catholic
Catholics in East Tennessee join the faithful all over the world in praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. (Photo Bill Brewer)
Catholic faithful across East Tennessee, led by Bishop Mark Beckman, are responding in prayer to the news that Pope Francis has died.
The Holy Father passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, at 7:35 a.m. Rome time at the age of 88.
Pope Francis had been in ill health recently and was recovering from double pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection in his lungs. He spent five weeks in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and was released to return to the Vatican on March 23 after his health had been improving.
The Holy Father had responded to treatment and he felt well enough to take part in Triduum and Easter services. He made a surprise visit to Rome’s Regina Coeli prison on Holy Thursday, April 17. He met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday, April 20. Also on Easter Sunday, the Holy Father greeted people in St. Peter’s Square from the popemobile after giving his Easter blessing.
However, Pope Francis passed away in the early morning of Easter Monday at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta.
Bishop Beckman expressed sadness at the passing of Pope Francis, who appointed him as the fourth shepherd of the Diocese of Knoxville in 2024. Bishop Beckman met with the pope in September on his first visit to the Vatican as the leader of the Church in East Tennessee.
“As we join with Catholics around the world in mourning the death of his holiness Pope Francis, we remember his humbleness and his legacy of care for creation, mercy for our poor and marginalized brothers and sisters, and a profound joy in the lives of each of us in living and sharing the Gospel as followers of Jesus,” Bishop Beckman said.
“When I met Pope Francis during “new bishop school” back in September, I had the opportunity to personally thank him for all that he has done for the Church and to let him know of our love for him,” the bishop added.
Parishioners at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus pray a rosary for Pope Francis on April 21. (Photo Bill Brewer)
Bishop Beckman said he has asked all Diocese of Knoxville parishes to:
- Offer special Masses for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul;
- Include specific prayers for the Holy Father in the Prayer of the Faithful;
- Toll church bells as a sign of mourning;
- Display the deceased pope’s portrait in a dignified, well-lit area;
- Display papal flags at half-staff until the new pope is chosen.
“Let us pray together for the eternal rest of our Holy Father and for the Church during this period of transition. May the Lord grant him a full share in the joy of the Resurrection and may perpetual light shine upon him. In the coming days, I will share additional information about diocesan observances and the process ahead,” Bishop Beckman said.
Priests in the Diocese of Knoxville also expressed their sadness at the Holy Father’s death and were preparing their churches for Masses, rosaries, and prayer services in his remembrance.
The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus prayed the rosary for Pope Francis after the noon Mass on Monday, April 21, and scheduled daily rosaries for the Holy Father for the week.
Update: Bishop Beckman will celebrate a memorial Mass for Pope Francis at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on Monday, April 28, at 6 p.m. All are invited to come and pray for the repose of the soul of the late pontiff.
