Eastern Churches Unite in Holy Qurbono for Pope Francis: A Deep Witness of Communion

Vatican City – 2 May 2025

In a deeply moving expression of communion, the heads and representatives of the Eastern Catholic Churches, along with their faithful, gathered in prayerful solidarity to offer the Holy Qurbono at St. Peter’s Basilica for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. The Eucharistic celebration, held under the auspices of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, formed part of the 7th Novemdiales Mass, a series of liturgies commemorating the Holy Father’s passing.

His Eminence Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, served as the chief celebrant. In his homily, he reflected on the Paschal mystery and the unique spiritual contributions of the Eastern Churches, calling their witness a “gift to the universality of the Church.”

From India, the presence of the Eastern Catholic Church leaders was both prominent and prayerful. His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, and His Eminence Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, were among those in attendance, alongside His Eminence Cardinal Mar George Koovakattu.

Their presence stood as a testimony to the rich apostolic traditions of India’s Eastern Churches, rooted in the mission of St. Thomas the Apostle. The Malayalam offertory hymn, rendered during the liturgy, added a touch of spiritual and cultural depth, bringing the voice of Kerala’s faithful to the heart of the universal Church.

In his address, Cardinal Gugerotti noted with gratitude the participation of bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and lay faithful from the Eastern Churches, whose presence “enriches the Church’s universality.” He acknowledged past misunderstandings between the East and the West, and spoke of the importance of continuing on the path of mutual respect and shared mission. “Pope Francis,” he said, “who taught us to love the diversity and richness of human expression, surely rejoices today to see us united in prayer for him and with him.”

Drawing attention to the plight of many Eastern Christians, especially those displaced from their ancient homelands, Cardinal Gugerotti invited the Church to stand with them—not merely through humanitarian aid, but through the spiritual solidarity of being one Body in Christ.

Concluding his homily, he urged the cardinals preparing for the upcoming conclave to turn to the words of St. Symeon the New Theologian as their prayer of discernment:

“Come, true light; come, eternal life; come, hidden mystery; come, nameless treasure; come, ineffable reality; come, inconceivable person; come, endless joy; come, light without evening; come, unfailing hope of all who are to be saved. Come, you who have always desired and desire my miserable soul…”

The liturgy was not merely a farewell to a Pope—it was a witness to the spiritual unity of the East and West, joined not in uniformity but in fidelity to the same Lord. From Kerala to Kyiv, from Antioch to Addis Ababa, the Church prayed as one Bride, awaiting her Bridegroom.