Farewell to Francis: Cardinal Gambetti to lead Rosary for Pope

His Eminence, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti will lead the Holy Rosary this evening for Pope Francis’ repose.

The Vatican announced the event on their X platform (formerly twitter), as part of official rites honouring the late pontiff.

The prayer begins at exactly 7:30 PM Rome time in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday being April 21, 2025, at Casa Santa Marta, his residence inside Vatican City.

He had appeared briefly at St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday to greet worshippers.

His death has drawn global tributes from religious leaders, presidents, and Catholic faithful.

The Vatican described the Rosary as a moment of spiritual unity and solemn reflection.

Cardinal Gambetti currently serves as the Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica.

He will be joined by bishops, cardinals, priests, and lay faithful at the prayer event.

Thousands of mourners are arriving at the Vatican from different parts of the world.

Pilgrims have held candlelight vigils and offered prayers around the square since Monday.

The Vatican has deployed additional security to maintain order during the evening service.

Faithful unable to attend are encouraged to join the prayer from their homes.

Church bells will ring across Rome in honour of the late Holy Father.

This Rosary marks the beginning of several events planned by the Church in his memory.

The funeral preparations are ongoing, with Vatican officials coordinating global dignitary attendance.

The conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor will follow funeral rites.

Catholics worldwide continue to mourn a pope known for humility and compassion.

Church leaders urge the faithful to remain united in faith and prayer.

The Vatican assured the public that updates will follow as new arrangements are made.

Who is Cardinal Mauro Gambetti?

His Eminence, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in the Catholic Church, serving as Archpriest of St Peter’s Basilica and Vicar General for Vatican City.

Born on October 27, 1965, in Castel San Pietro Terme, Bologna, Gambetti first studied mechanical engineering at the University of Bologna before embracing the religious life. He joined the Order of Friars Minor Conventual in 1992 and took his perpetual vows in 1998.

Ordained a priest on January 8, 2000, Gambetti deepened his theological education with a degree from the Theological Institute of Assisi and a licentiate in theological anthropology from Florence.

He rose to international prominence as the General Custos of the Sacred Convent of Saint Francis in Assisi, a role he held from 2013 to 2020.

During that time, he oversaw the spiritual and administrative care of one of the Church’s most revered shrines.

On November 28, 2020, Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals, making him the first Conventual Franciscan to receive the red hat since 1861.

In February 2021, the Pope appointed him Archpriest of Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vicar General of the Vatican City State, and President of the Fabric of Saint Peter entrusting him with overseeing the Church’s most iconic basilica.

In a further demonstration of confidence, Cardinal Gambetti was named a judge of the Supreme Court of the Vatican City State, effective from January 1, 2024.

Known for his humility, academic depth, and pastoral leadership, Cardinal Gambetti has become a key figure in Vatican affairs, especially in ceremonial duties and papal liturgies.

His role places him at the heart of the Vatican’s spiritual and administrative life during a period of significant transition in the global Church.

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