"Sean alegres, que no pierdan la alegria...Be joyful, and don't lose that joy." - Pope Francis
We join the global Church in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His life of humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel has left a profound impact on people of all ages—especially the young Church he loved so deeply. May his legacy of mercy and joy continue to inspire us.

Pope Francis
Born - December 17, 1936 | Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Died - April 21, 2025 | St. Martha House, Vatican City
Resources
NFCYM has created and gathered resources for your use. Please feel free to modify the prayer service to meet the needs of your community.
More Resources
A (*) next to a resource is to note that the resource comes from an NFCYM member
Disclaimer: External links are provided for your convenience. NFCYM is not responsible for their content or affiliated organizations, and inclusion does not imply endorsement. They are offered as potentially helpful resources.
Prayer/Liturgy/Music Resources
Universal Prayers
- For Pope Francis, may he be numbered among God’s elect and know the splendor of heaven, we pray to the Lord. – By FDLC
- For God’s peace upon the spirit of Francis, our Pope; may he share in the eternal fellowship of those who, faithful to the teachings of the Apostles, dwell in the heavenly kingdom, we pray to the Lord. – By FDLC
- For Pope Francis, who was entrusted with the care of the Church, may he enter the joy of God’s kingdom where there is no more sorrow and no more tears, we pray to the Lord. – By FDLC
Resources and Activities with Young People
- He Asked for Our Prayers: Honoring the Pope on Campus – CCMA*
- Pope Francis’s five-finger prayer – TeachingCatholicKids.com
- Pope Francis coloring page – Cool Coloring Pages
- Why Catholics have a Pope – Ascension Presents
Dealing with Loss/Death/Mourning
- Dealing with Tragedy (St. Mary’s Press)* – Search results for tragedy in Saint Mary’s Press database.
- When Tragedy Challenges Faith (St. Mary’s Press)* – This short article adapted from Understanding Catholic Christianity
- St. John Paul II’s letter on The Salvific Meaning of Suffering – An Apostolic Letter by St. John Paul on Suffering
- Journeying Through Grief (Life Teen)*– A helpful article with tips on dealing with grief
- 5 Ways to Comfort a friend through Grief (LifeTeen)*– Practical suggestions to assist you in supporting your friends through their journey of grief
- Tips for Supporting Grieving Youth (Dougy Center) – A list of suggestions gathered from the hundreds of teens who have attended grief support groups
News Resources
- Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday aged 88 – Vatican News
- Pope Francis Resources Memoriam – USCCB*
- Pope Francis Tributes – Statements, reflections, and expressions of sympathy from the bishops of the United States, other entities, and ecumenical partners – USCCB*
- Pope Francis dies at 88 – Franciscan Media
- Pope Francis and Enduring Hope – LMU
- ‘The young pope’: Pope Francis’ legacy with young people – OSV News
- Pope Francis’s life in pictures – BBC
What Happens Next?
- Upon the Death of a Pope: Procedures and Traditions – 206 Tours
- When a Pope Dies – EWTN News
NFCYM and Pope Francis
2019 NCYC Message from Pope Francis
As we continue to join in prayer, we invite you to watch this special message in which Pope Francis recorded for the young people in attendance at 2019 NCYC.
National Youth Advisory Council and Pope Francis
On October 12, 2022, the National Youth Advisory Council met with the Holy Father at the conclusion of the general audience in Rome. The council received a message from the Holy Father to share with all the young people of the United States.
Pope Francis said, “Be Joyful. Do not lose that joy!”

