Churches adopt liturgy for prayer for Pope Francis, election of new pope

With the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, one may notice that there have been some changes in the prayers within the celebration of the mass that are for the repose of the soul of the pope and for the election of a new pope.

As the faithful are urged to pray for the Holy Father, the guidelines with these temporary changes were disseminated by the Commission on Worship.

"On the days Mass for the Dead is permitted: on Weekdays of Easter and on Obligatory Memorials, a Mass for a deceased Supreme Pontiff may be celebrated especially out of pious suffrage for his soul," according to the guidelines.

 The Roman Missal for the dead is used and the priest may either were white or violet vestments.

"This Mass is not celebrated on a daily basis. On Sundays of Easter and days within the Octave of Easter the mass for the day (prayers and readings) is used since Masses for the Dead is not permitted."

In the General Intercessions, the prayer for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis and for the election of the new pope are added.

In the Eucharistic Prayers, the name of the pope is omitted in the oblation wherein the faithful prays for the bishops and all clergy but is included in the intercession.

These changes, Seminario Mayor de San Carlos rector Fr. Mhar Balili told GMA News Online are a matter of respect and policy for Pope Francis.

"After the burial of the pope, Mass "Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice" may be offered. When permitted, refer to Masses for various needs: For the election of a new pope. The color of vestment to be used is the color of the liturgical season," according to the guidelines.

"The tolling of the bells of St. Peter's Basilica accompanies the public acknowledgement of the death of the pope. The church bells can be tolled in the parish churches 12 times symbolizing the 12 years of Pope Francis's pontificate. As the bells are tolled, the people are called to prayer," the guidelines read. — BAP, GMA Integrated News