by Christopher White | National Catholic Reporter Pope Francis has shown "further slight improvement" in…
April 23, 2025 | Catholic World Report
CNA explains: What happens during the Vatican’s 9 days of mourning for the pope?
Vatican City, Apr 22, 2025 / 17:08 pm (CNA).
With the death of Pope Francis on Monday, the Catholic Church has entered a mourning period, which will include nine days of Masses offered for the repose of his soul known as the “Novendiales.”
Rooted in ancient Christian and Roman customs, the Novendiales is a period of nine consecutive days dedicated to mourning the death of a pope. The practice dates back centuries, mirroring the ancient Roman tradition of a nine-day funeral rite.