Senior Vatican Cardinal Pietro Parolin led a rosary prayer at the St Mary Major Basilica in Rome in honour of late Pope Francis. The basilica, where the Pope will be buried, held special significance for Francis. Crowds gathered outside to pay their respects to the late Holy Father. Tributes poured in from around the world, with nations mourning his passing.
In Ecuador, the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador opened a book of commemoration for the public to sign. In Cuba, the government declared an official mourning period and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast. In Cairo, Egyptian Coptic Catholics attended a prayer service at the Holy Virgin Mary Coptic Catholic Cathedral, expressing condolences and sympathy to the Catholic Church. In Ukraine, dozens of Catholics in Kyiv attended a memorial service at St. Alexander’s Rome Catholic Cathedral, led by Bishop Vitaliy Krivitskiy.
Pedro Marques, a priest from Portugal, highlighted Pope Francis’ strong actions and legacy. Ines Ramirez, a nun from El Salvador, was emotional during the rosary, reflecting on the Pope’s message to never stop praying for his children. Johana Heredia, a Catholic faithful, praised the Pope’s push towards peace, social justice, and inclusion. Samy Fawzy, Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Egypt, mourned the passing of a figure who promoted reconciliation and love.
The rosary prayer and tributes serve as a testament to Pope Francis’ impact and legacy on the Catholic Church and the world.
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