Pinoys join faithful in Vatican to pray for Pope Francis

Filipinos have begun to join the Roman Catholic faithful in Vatican City to pray for Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square following his death on the morning of Easter Monday.

According to Pia Gonzales-Abucay's report on “Saksi,” Catholics, including Filipinos, have begun to gather at St. Peter’s Square within the papal enclave in Rome to offer prayers for the late 88-year-old pontiff.

Churches across Italy, some of which have Tagalog masses, are also expected to include a prayer for Pope Francis.

Earlier today, the faithful heard the bells in the Vatican ring for almost 15 minutes starting at noon.

Gonzales -Abucay also reported that Filipinos there remembered the pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, for his fondness for the Philippines and its people.

The public viewing is expected to start on Wednesday, April 23.

However, the Vatican has yet to make an official announcement regarding Pope Francis’ funeral arrangements. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News