Pope at All Souls Mass - Today is a day of hope

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Francis celebrated Mass for the Faithful Departed in Rome's Laurentino Cemetery today (Friday), All Souls' Day.

"Today is a day of memory that takes us back to our roots," the Pope said in his homily. "It is also a day of hope. It reminds us of what we can expect: the hope of encountering the love of the Father."

The Holy Father's reflections focused on three themes: memory, hope, and lights that help us along the road of life. "There is a path we need to follow, and we cannot take the wrong path," he said. "The Beatitudes, which Jesus taught us, show us the right road to take. To be pure in heart, poor in Spirit - these are the lights that help us not to take the wrong road."

Pope Francis concluded with the prayer that "we may never lose our memories as a family, a people... May we never lose hope," he said, "always contemplating the horizon, always looking ahead. May God grant us the grace to recognize the lights that accompany us to where He awaits us with so much love."

Before the Mass, the Pope paused for a moment of silent prayer in a part of the cemetery set aside for young children who have died.

On his return to the Vatican, Pope Francis made the traditional All Souls Day visit to pray in the crypt beneath St Peter's Basilica. About a hundred popes are believed to be buried there.

On Saturday, Pope Francis will offer a Requiem Mass at St Peter's for the repose of the souls of Cardinals and Bishops who have died in the course of the past year.