Here at Chelmsford Cathedral we are remembering Pope Francis in our prayers. We pray also for our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters, particularly all those in the Diocese of Brentwood. We give thanks for his remarkable life of loving service and prayer, and we pray for all who are mourning.
The Church of England has offered this prayer:
Father in heaven, we praise your name
for all who have finished this life loving and trusting you,
for the example of their lives,
the life and grace you gave them
and the peace in which they rest.
We praise you today for your servant Francis
and for all that you did through him.
Meet us in our sadness
and fill our hearts with praise and thanksgiving,
for the sake of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ.
Into your hands, O merciful Saviour,
we commend your servant Francis.
Acknowledge, we pray, a sheep of your own fold,
a lamb of your own flock,
a sinner of your own redeeming.
Enfold him in the arms of your mercy,
in the blessed rest of everlasting peace
and in the glorious company of the saints in light.
Amen.
Image credit: CBCEW/Mazur