Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – On Monday at noon, the bells of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish rang out across Puerto Vallarta’s historic center, marking the start of Novendiale – a traditional nine-day period of mourning in the Catholic Church – following the passing of Pope Francis.
Father Arturo Arana, head of the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Joseph, led the opening Mass in remembrance of the late Pontiff. In his homily, Father Arana reflected on Pope Francis’ legacy as a humble spiritual leader who championed compassion and care for the poor and marginalized.
After the Mass, the church’s bells tolled for three solemn minutes, and the Vatican flag was raised over the main parish in a moving tribute. All upcoming Masses at the parish will be dedicated to the eternal rest of Pope Francis until the Conclave, where the next pope will be elected.
Pope Francis passed away at age 88 on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 am in his apartment at the Domus Santa Marta in Vatican City. According to the Holy See, his death resulted from a stroke, coma, and irreversible cardiovascular collapse.
His death initiated a time-honored sequence of rites within the Vatican. A physician officially confirmed his death, after which the camerlengo – responsible for administering the Holy See – performed the traditional rituals, including calling the pope’s baptismal name three times and destroying the papal ring and official seals.
During the Novendiales, cardinals in Rome gather daily for funeral rites while the pope’s body lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. The funeral is expected to take place between the fourth and sixth day of mourning. Pope Francis had previously chosen his final resting place at St. Mary Major’s Basilica, home to the sacred icon of Salus Populi Romani, or “Salvation of the Roman People,” which held special significance for him.
Around the globe, churches have joined in honoring the pope through daily Masses and prayer. The term Novendiales comes from the Latin words novem (nine) and dies (days), signifying this traditional period of mourning. Following this period, the conclave to elect the next pope will begin between the 16th and 21st day after his death.
In Puerto Vallarta and beyond, the faithful have come together in a spirit of remembrance and unity, giving thanks for the life and leadership of Pope Francis.
