What are Novendiales? the 9 day mourning period following a Pope's death
Discover the ancient ritual that unites the Catholic world in silence and prayer. From solemn Masses to the path toward a new papacy, the Novendiales reveal the deep spiritual and ceremonial traditions that follow a pope's final farewell.
The Novendiales is a nine-day mourning period observed by the Catholic Church following the death of a pope. This tradition is rooted in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, established by Pope John Paul II. The mourning period begins on the day of the pope’s funeral and includes daily Masses and reflections. Each day, a different cardinal leads the Mass, offering a homily that reflects on the late pope's pontificate and the Church's future. This practice allows the faithful to honor the pope's memory and prepare spiritually for the election of a new pontiff.
The term "Novendiales" derives from the Latin words novem dies (nine days), signifying the nine days of mourning. Historically, the concept of a nine-day mourning period, or novemdiales, dates back to ancient Roman customs. The ninth day, known as coena novendialis, was marked by a communal meal in honor of the deceased. This practice has evolved in the Catholic Church into the structured period of mourning observed today.
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Novendiales: Daily masses and reflection leading to the Papal Conclave
During the Novendiales, the Vatican organizes daily Masses in St. Peter's Basilica. Each Mass is presided over by a different cardinal, who also delivers a homily reflecting on the late pope's life and legacy. These homilies serve as a platform for cardinals to express their thoughts and expectations for the future direction of the Church. The period culminates in the papal funeral, which is a significant event for the global Catholic community.
The faithful will gather at St. Peter's Basilica during Novendiales, honoring the late Pope with daily Masses led by cardinals from around the world. Photo: Vatican news
The Novendiales not only serves as a time of mourning but also as a period of reflection and preparation for the upcoming conclave. The conclave is the assembly of cardinals convened to elect a new pope. The mourning period allows the cardinals to reflect on the late pope's teachings and the direction they wish the Church to take under new leadership. This time of contemplation is crucial for ensuring a thoughtful and prayerful election process.
Daily Vatican mass schedule and Cardinals presiding during the Novendiales mourning period
As part of the Novendiales—nine days of mourning following a pope's death—St. Peter’s Basilica will hold daily Masses led by key Church leaders. Each ceremony highlights a different sector of the Catholic Church and reflects on the legacy of the late pontiff. Here is the list:
- Saturday, April 26: The central ceremony will be held, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. This is the formal farewell to the pope, attended by the faithful, civil authorities, and international delegations
- Sunday, April 27: Cardinal Pietro Parolin, former Secretary of State, will lead the Mass, having resigned as mandated by Vatican law upon the pope’s death.
- Monday, April 28: Presided over by Baldassare Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome. This Mass focuses on the local Roman Church, directly under the pope’s pastoral care.
- Tuesday, April 29: Led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica, representing the Pontifical Basilicas and their chapters.
- Wednesday, April 30: A Papal Chapel Mass, presided over by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals, reflecting the global cardinalate’s mourning.
- Thursday, May 1: Representing the Roman Curia, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, former Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, will preside (originally scheduled to be led by Camerlengo Kevin Farrell).
- Friday, May 2: Dedicated to the Eastern Catholic Churches, the Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, former Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.
- Saturday, May 3: Focused on men and women in consecrated life, the Mass will be led by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, former Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life.
- Sunday, May 4: The final Mass, a Papal Chapel, will be presided over by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Protodeacon, marking the conclusion of the Novendiales and the transition toward the upcoming conclave.
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Global participation in Novendiales and the solemn Papal funeral
In addition to the Vatican's observances, many countries and Catholic communities around the world participate in the Novendiales. These communities hold their own Masses and prayer services, joining in the global mourning and reflection. The unity displayed during this period underscores the global nature of the Catholic Church and the shared sense of loss among its members.
The Novendiales concludes with the funeral of the pope, marking the end of the mourning period. The funeral is a solemn occasion, attended by cardinals, bishops, and faithful from around the world. It serves as a final tribute to the pope's life and service to the Church. Following the funeral, the conclave is convened to elect a new pope, ensuring the continuity of leadership within the Catholic Church.