Home · Faith · Nov 2 archive
Pope Leo XIV to Celebrate All Souls' Day Mass at Campo Verano Cemetery
· ConfirmedShare on
In Short: EWTN Vatican reports that Pope Leo XIV will celebrate All Souls' Day Mass at Rome's Campo Verano Cemetery on Nov. 2, 2026, at 4 p.m.
EWTN Vatican reports that Pope Leo XIV will celebrate All Souls' Day Mass at Rome's Campo Verano Cemetery on Nov. 2, 2026, at 4 p.m. This marks the continuation of a tradition initiated by Pope Francis in 2013.
The Mass will open the pope’s public liturgical schedule for November and December, according to EWTN News and the National Catholic Register.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Pope Leo XIV will offer prayers for the deceased and impart the apostolic blessing over the graves, as reported by EWTN News.
The National Catholic Register notes that this event will be the first significant public appearance by Pope Leo XIV since his recent cancer diagnosis, following clearance from his doctors.
Among the events already announced are a Mass for the repose of the souls of the cardinals and bishops who have died during the past year, scheduled for Nov. 5 at 9 a.m. In St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Leo XIV’s decision to celebrate Mass at Campo Verano Cemetery aligns with the pontiff’s belief that the Solemnity of All Saints offers a “hope-filled message”: God sees goodness hidden from us and calls every person to holiness.
The commemoration at Verano Cemetery will not be the first time a pope has presided over this celebration at the cemetery, as noted by EWTN News and the National Catholic Register.
EWTN News and the National Catholic Register agree that the All Souls’ Day Mass at Campo Verano Cemetery is an essential requirement for bearing witness to the faith.
This event underscores the importance of the All Souls’ Day tradition and highlights Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to continuing the liturgical practices initiated by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
What this adds
The National Catholic Register provides analysis suggesting that Pope Leo XIV will soon need to make decisions regarding leadership within the Curia.
Background
Pope Leo XIV will celebrate All Souls' Day Mass at Rome's Campo Verano Cemetery on Nov. 2, continuing a tradition started by Pope Francis.
Pope Leo XIV met with Villanova and Notre Dame basketball teams at the Vatican ahead of their season opener in Rome.
What's confirmed
- In subsequent years, he chose other significant locations, including the Pontifical Teutonic College of Santa Maria in Campo Santo within the Vatican in 2022 and Rome’s Laurentino Cemetery in 2025.
- Pope Francis celebrated All Souls’ Day Mass there in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
- The commemoration at Verano Cemetery will open the pope’s public liturgical schedule for the months of November and December.
- At the conclusion of the Mass, the Holy Father will offer prayers for the deceased and impart the apostolic blessing over the graves.
- Among the events already announced are a Mass for the repose of the souls of the cardinals and bishops who have died during the past year, scheduled for Nov. 5 at 9 a.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica.
- It will not be the first time a pope has presided over this celebration at Verano Cemetery.
What's still developing
- 27, the Eucharistic celebration will begin at 4 p.m.
- ANALYSIS: Having been cleared for duty by his doctors after his recent cancer diagnosis, the Pope will soon need to make some big decisions over who will lead the Curia.