Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Pope Francis visited Rome's Laurentino cemetery on All Souls' Day to honor children and miscarried infants. The cemetery includes a section dedicated to children who have died and another called the "Garden of the Angels," where parents can bury miscarried children instead of leaving their remains with hospitals.

During his visit, Pope Francis was greeted by a father who had lost his son. The pope placed a bouquet of white roses at the garden's entrance, where various items like stuffed animals and toys mark the graves. Instead of delivering a homily, he led mourners in silent reflection.

For November, Pope Francis has dedicated his prayer intention to parents grieving the loss of a child. In a video message, he stated, “What can we say to parents who have lost a child? How can we console them? There are no words.”

Concluding the Mass, Pope Francis prayed for renewed faith through visiting graves and emphasized belief in resurrection. He asked God to receive deceased loved ones into mercy and comfort those suffering from loss with hope in eternal life.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli served as the main celebrant during the Mass. Notably, Pope Francis concelebrated alongside him, standing for the Eucharistic prayer.