People in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington gathered for a memorial Mass for Pope Francis at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More on April 23, 2025.

As the Pope lies in state at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, many honored the Pontiff Wednesday with prayers in Arlington. Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington led a memorial Mass for the Holy Father at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More.

Arlington Catholics are honoring the late Pope Francis as a bridge builder who sought to care for society's most vulnerable people. Hours after the pontiff died at the age of 88 this morning (Monday) in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta,