Cardinal Mahony witnesses sealing of Pope Francis' coffin
Inquirer Logo
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cardinal Mahony witnesses sealing of Pope Francis’ coffin

The archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will also concelebrate the funeral mass
/ 01:25 PM April 25, 2025

Pope Francis

The body of late Pope Francis is carried in an open coffin through St. Peter’s Square to St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where the deceased pontiff will lie in state for three days. (Vatican Media via AP)

LOS ANGELES – Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, the archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, witnessed the sealing of the coffin of Pope Francis Friday as the senior cardinal priest of the 204 cardinal priests in Rome for Francis’ funeral.

Vatican News, the official news portal of the Holy See, reported Thursday that the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff requested the presence at the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin of Mahony, along with Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re, Pietro Parolin, Domenique Mamberti, Mauro Gambetti, Baldassare Reina and Konrad Krajewski.

Pope Francis funeral

Cardinals walk through St. Peter’s Square ahead of the coffin of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

The 89-year-old Mahony will also concelebrate at the Funeral Mass for Pope Francis on Saturday. Following the Funeral Mass, Mahony will process to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major to be present for Francis’ burial.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Cardinal Mahony

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, the archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles | FILE PHOTO (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

“I was stunned and felt honored when I received the news to have been chosen for these special roles,” Mahony said in a statement. “Pope Francis and I had a special friendship over the years, and we exchanged personal letters often.

“God’s surprises never seem to end, and I am joyful that someone from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles was chosen for this role. It is yet another example of the importance of our wonderful archdiocese.

“I carry out these roles with gratitude to the extraordinary Catholic community of Los Angeles under the leadership of Archbishop José Gomez, our auxiliary bishops, our priests and deacons, our men and women of consecrated life, and our outstanding lay Catholics.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Mahony was appointed as archbishop of Los Angeles by Saint John Paul II on July 12, 1985, and was created as a Cardinal in June 28, 1991. He retired as archbishop at the age of 75 on March 1, 2011.

Mahony, who took part in the conclave that selected Pope Francis, is ineligible to participate in the conclave to choose Francis’ successor because cardinals aged 80 years or older before the day the papacy fell vacant are ineligible.

Mahony remains in good standing with the church, although in 2013 he was relieved of most of his public duties over mishandling of clergy sex abuse cases decades earlier. The move, however, did not impact his standing as a priest or his ability to celebrate Mass or the sacraments, and he remained a cardinal. (CNS)

Don't miss out on the latest news and information. Like Us Icon Follow Us Icon
TAGS: Catholic Church, Pope Francis, Trending
For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.




This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.