A Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis will take place in St Macartan’s Cathedral in Monaghan tomorrow, Friday evening April 25 at 7.30 pm. Co Monaghan Catholics have united with the faithful worldwide in mourning the passing of the 88-year-old pontiff, which was announced by the Vatican on Easter Monday. The previous day Pope Francis had appeared briefly to impart an Easter Sunday blessing to the crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square in Rome.
He had suffered severe health problems in recent times and had spent 38 days in hospital in February and March. The Vatican said that stroke and heart failure were the causes of his passing. Dublin-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell made the formal announcement, stating: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35 am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.
His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.” Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis in succession to Pope Benedict XVI who resigned in 2013. He was the first South American and first Jesuit to hold the office and his pontificate was distinguished by a lack of formality and deep compassion for the poor and marginalised.
Yesterday the Pope’s body was brought from his residence in the Vatican to St Peter’s Basilica where it will lie in state until Friday evening to allow the faithful to pay their last respects. The funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday. A crowd of 200,000 people is expected to attend the outdoor service and many of the world’s leaders will be in attendance. A conclave to choose the new Pope is not expected to be convened before May 6. BISHOP’S TRIBUTE “We are all deeply saddened by the death of Pope Francis,” Catholic Bishop of Clogher Larry Duffy said…
