VATICAN CITY — Remembering the cardinals and bishops who died in the past year, Pope Francis prayed that after their loving service to the Catholic Church “they may exult in eternal communion with the saints.” At the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope presided over a memorial Mass Nov. 4 for the seven cardinals and 116 bishops who passed away between Nov. 1, 2023, and Oct. 21 this year. The booklet for the Mass listed the names of all of them, including nine bishops from the United States. “Elect members of the people of God, they were baptized into the death of Christ in order to rise with Him. They were shepherds and models for the Lord’s flock,” he said, and having celebrated the Eucharist, breaking “the bread of life on earth, may they now enjoy a seat at His table.” (CNS)
