Cardinal Tagle leads rosary for Pope Francis in Rome

Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle led a Rosary in memory of Pope Francis on Thursday evening at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy where the late Pontiff will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26.

On Monday, the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis. He was 88 and had a serious bout of double pneumonia. According to Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli in a death certificate, Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure.

Tagle, former Archbishop of Manila and was appointed by Pope Francis pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, in his introductory words before the fourth recitation of the rosary, reiterated the words in the Gospel on Thursday when Jesus appeared before his disciples after he has risen. Jesus said, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts?"

Tagle also said Jesus’ words give hope and certainty to our lives as he encouraged the Catholic faithful to pray for Pope Francis and entrust him to Mother Mary.

Meanwhile, several activities and preparations are underway at Saint Peter’s Square, a day before the burial service for Pope Francis. Visitors also continued to pour in at the Saint Peter’s Basilica for the second day of the public viewing of the remains of the late Pontiff.

Data from the Holy See Press Office showed that at least 90,000 visitors flocked to the basilica as of Thursday, April 25, with some Argentinians bringing along the image of Carlo Acutis, who was initially slated for canonization on April 27.

The Vatican said they expect more people to visit the remains of Pope Francis.

Private burial service

A private burial service for Pope Francis will be held on April 26 at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, according to the Vatican. A general mass for Pope Francis will be conducted at the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City before his remains are transferred to Rome.

Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore as stated in his will and also for his deep devotion to Mary. His body will be welcomed by the underprivileged and those in need to pay respect. The public may view his tomb starting Sunday, April 27.

The late Pontiff is the first pope to be buried outside Vatican City after a century.

Pope Francis remembered

Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was elected Supreme Pontiff on March 13, 2013. He became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the said position.

Pope Francis, fondly called Lolo Kiko by Filipinos, visited the Philippines in 2015.

He celebrated Mass at the Manila Cathedral as well as in the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas.

The Pontiff also held an outdoor Mass in Tacloban City despite strong rains and powerful winds brought about by an approaching storm.

In his will drafted in 2022, Pope Francis asked to be buried in a simple, unadorned tomb inside his beloved Roman basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore. It was this basilica where Pope Francis prayed before and after arriving from every trip he took as pontiff. — BAP, GMA Integrated News