His Holiness Pope John Paul II
Bishop of Rome, Patriarch of the West
Primate of Italy, Servant of the Servants of God
18 May 1920 - 2 April 2005

A Prayer on the Death of Pope John Paul II

Loving God, we commend to your care the Holy Father, John Paul II, who has passed from this life.

Your grace made him diligent and energetic in serving you and your people for these many years.

May that same grace now crown his generous efforts and work with joy and peace in your presence forever.

We thank you for his leadership and courage in proclaiming your word and serving the Body of Christ and our world.

We trust you to be with the Church through the Holy Spirit now and in all time to come as you have always been.

May those responsible for the election of a new pope be open and responsive to your grace and guidance.

Be with your people now in our sorrow to fill us with hope and trust for the future.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

-- Father Don Talafous OSB
Saint John's Abbey, Collegeville, Minn.

Photo © "L'Osservatore Romano" from the book John Paul II: A Light for the World. | USCCB Resources | OSB website