Pope Leo XIV: Let us not allow the memory of the deceased to be reduced to mere nostalgia

VATICAN CITY — Hope in the resurrection and the communion of saints are the two truths “that illuminate our prayer for the deceased,” Pope Leo XIV said in his homily Thursday at Mass offered for the repose of the cardinals and bishops who have died during the past year.

It is customary for the popes to celebrate this Mass every year at the beginning of November. The list of names for whom the Mass is offered is printed in the opening pages of the liturgical booklet . This year, Mass was offered for seven cardinals and 136 bishops.

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass for the repose of the souls of deceased cardinals and bishops from the past year at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica on Nov. 5, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

At the Mass, celebrated in Latin at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope reflected on the theme of service. For, he said, “indeed, whoever follows Christ becomes his servant and will always be where he is, precisely because they have followed his path.”

Drawing from the first reading of the liturgy, the pope reflected on the hope of the resurrection, a theme already present in the Old Testament. He said: “For our remembrance…