In silent memory of deceased children

Continuing his custom of offering Mass at a Roman cemetery on All Souls’ Day, on Saturday, 2 November, Pope Francis visited the Laurentino Cemetery, the third-largest burial ground in Rome, which he had visited in 2018.

That morning, a mother could be seen tracing the inscription on the tombstone of her daughter, who died before her first birthday. Another woman could be seen changing the water in the flower vases placed between stuffed toys. All were unnatural and mechanical movements — because such are those of a parent who mourns the death of a child.

These scenes greeted the Pope, who arrived shortly before 10 a.m. He was welcomed by the Mayor of Rome, Mr Roberto Gualtieri, and a group of about 100 faithful.

Before the liturgy, the Pope briefly stopped in front of the graves and laid white roses on the memorial stone with the inscription “Garden of Angels” marking a special section dedicated for families grieving the loss of their children, including those lost to miscarriage.

Thomas, Mattia, Maria, Giuseppe, Andrea, Ariana: their names, engraved or handwritten in gold, could be seen carved in stone or on a wooden column. Many have the word “foetus” before their name; almost the entire front row is occupied by children from 2024.

As the Pope moved quietly among the tombstones, he paused for a moment of silent prayer, at which point Stefano, a young father who lost his daughter Sara in 2021 after three months of pregnancy, approached him and handed him a letter.

During the visit Pope Francis was also greeted by a group of mothers who have lost a son or a daughter at a young age for different reasons, all united in an association called “Sparks of Hope” (Scintille di Speranza). Each one them gave the Pope a white scarf as a symbolic “warm embrace for him”, from them and their deceased children, they explained, expressing gratitude for his “respectful” silence during the Mass and for his presence at the Laurentino Cemetery. “It’s a testament of affection, a powerful way to be close to our children,” they said.

These mothers came together after the Jubilee of Mercy thanks to Fr Giuseppe Iuculano, the rector of the Chapel of the Risen Jesus, which is the cemetery’s parish. The women said Fr Giuseppe gave them “hope in the resurrection and acceptance”, which is the only thing that helps them and the sharing of their daily pain.

The Holy Father also greeted the faithful gathered, particularly those in wheelchairs, and he paused to bless a pregnant woman.

Pope Francis concelebrated Mass in an area reserved for deceased children and unborn babies. In his off-the-cuff words, he remembered those who have gone before us, particularly those whose lives have been “cut short” by war.

During the Mass, the Pope also asked for God’s comfort for those dealing with loss and for the grace to accept death as a transition rather than an end. The service concluded with the recitation of the “Eternal Rest” prayer.