“This morning, we join the world in sadness at the news of the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. We also join in the chorus of prayers for his eternal rest. In a particular way, we at Mary’s Shrine are saddened because we knew the Holy Father personally. As the first Pontiff from the Americas, the Holy Father himself came on pilgrimage to the Basilica in 2015 to canonize Fray Junípero Serra, marking the first canonization on United States soil. His visit left a lasting impact upon us at Mary’s Shrine, this city of Washington D.C., and this nation.
We also give thanks to God for his 55 years as a priest, his 32 years as a bishop, and 12 years as Pope. A life of service to the Church and to God’s people, we remember him and strive to “go out to proclaim the merciful embrace of the Father” as he urged in his 2015 homily at the Basilica. May he rest in peace and Our Lady usher him into the presence of her Son.”
ABOUT THE 2015 VISIT OF POPE FRANCIS TO THE BASILICA
On September 23, 2015, roaring crowds greeted Pope Francis as he arrived at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on the first full day of his Apostolic Journey to the United States. He processed into the Great Upper Church to a rousing reception from Religious and Novices and celebrated the Canonization Mass of Fray Junipero Serra on the Basilica’s East Steps with a congregation of 25,000.
ABOUT THE BASILICA
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America, and it is among the ten largest churches in the world. Dedicated to the patroness of the United States, the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica is the nation’s preeminent Marian shrine and patronal church and has been designated a national sanctuary of prayer and pilgrimage. Among those who have visited the National Shrine during its 100+ year history are Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, Saint Pope John Paul II, and Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta.