With hearts full of sorrow, we at The Central Association of the Miraculous Medal join the faithful around the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis.

In moments like this, we do what Pope Francis encouraged us to do: We turn to Mary. We seek her comfort and her motherly embrace as we grieve. We hold onto hope knowing that Mary always leads us to her Son.

During the Monday, April 21, Perpetual Novena and Mass at The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, homilist Fr. Patrick Flanagan, CM, recalled Pope Francis’ devotion to Our Lady:

Fr. Flanagan said, “Every time he [Pope Francis] would leave to go someplace special, perhaps on one of his 40 trips out of Italy, he would go to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Mary was a central figure in his life. Every time he wrote, Mary figured prominently in his writings. It was Mary who led him to Jesus. It is Mary who leads us to Jesus. Whom we have confidence in. Who we find hope in.”

We will remember Pope Francis at the Basilica Shrine and entrust him to the loving arms of Mary Immaculate. As we pray for the repose of his soul, we also pray for the Church he so lovingly led with humility, compassion, justice, peace, and hope.

We pray for the wisdom and perseverance of the Cardinals as they gather to elect the successor to Pope Francis.

May Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal intercede for all of us whose hearts are filled with sadness. May we continue our journey of faith and Pilgrimage of Hope in the compassionate, merciful example set by Pope Francis.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

We invite you to light a candle in honor of Pope Francis at the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.