The Pope has sent a special message of condolence to the family of Gough Whitlam, which was read at a memorial mass in Rome to honour the former prime minister.

The letter reveals that the Pope personally prayed for Mr Whitlam after hearing of his death.

Pope Francis has revealed he personally prayed for Gough Whitlam after hearing of his death. Credit:Reuters

The mass, held on Monday evening at the chapel in Domus Australia in Rome, was celebrated by former Australian archbishop, now the Vatican's financial tsar, Cardinal George Pell.