New Zealand’s six Catholic bishops and the Vatican’s ambassador to New Zealand will gather in Palmerston North this Sunday evening for the nation’s formal memorial Mass for Pope Francis.

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church from March 2013 until April 2025, died on April 21. His funeral was held in Rome on April 26, with Masses held all over the world to give thanks for Francis’ time as Pope.

Palmerston North Bishop John Adams said it is a privilege to host the national memorial Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, which recently celebrated its centenary.

“While we have all had the chance to gather with our local communities to celebrate the life of Pope Francis and pray for the repose of his soul, it is fitting for us to do this on the national level – and with the Holy See’s representative, the Apostolic Nuncio,” he said.

“It is always good to gather with our brother bishops in celebrating the Eucharist, even if this Mass will meld sadness and thanksgiving.”

The six current New Zealand bishops were all appointed by Pope Francis, starting with Bishop Steve Lowe in 2015, the current president of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference.

Archbishop Gabor Pinter, the Vatican’s ambassador to New Zealand and the Pacific, said several countries’ ambassadors posted in New Zealand are expected to attend the Mass, further demonstrating Pope Francis’ global impact.

“At the Pope’s funeral, there were 163 delegations, with 12 monarchs, 50 heads of state and more than 15 heads of government, including New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon,” said Archbishop Pinter, whose appointment as an archbishop was also made by Pope Francis.

“Many ambassadors, diplomats and government officials, including Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters, have signed the book of condolence we set up at the Nunciature in Wellington.”

The Mass will be celebrated at 6pm on Sunday, May 4 at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. It is open to the public. It will also be livestreamed at https://youtube.com/live/Dl-RNOA_hQQ?feature=share.

“Our congregation each Sunday evening is always large,” Bishop Adams said. “We expect an even bigger turnout this weekend to celebrate the Pope’s life and legacy.”