Life and times of Pope Francis commemorated in Durban
The Archdiocese of Durban clergy and faithful from far and wide gathered in solemn unity, offering prayers and reflections on the profound impact of Pope Francis' ministry. This beautiful celebration underscored the profound respect and admiration for the Pope's tireless advocacy for the poor, the marginalised, and the environment.
IN a heartfelt tribute, Archbishop Jwara CMM celebrated Holy Mass at Emmanuel Cathedral, Durban on Wednesday, paying homage to the remarkable life and legacy of Pope Francis.
The Pope died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. He reportedly suffered a massive stroke on Monday morning and died soon after.
The Vatican shared upon the Pope’s death, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 07:35 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 of 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 True God.
His candle is held in the Basilica of Saint Peter, and his burial will be on Saturday, April 26 in Basilica Santa Maria La Major, Rome and not in the Vatican like his predecessors. The coffin is made of wood.
Thousands of people continue to make their way to St Peter’s to pay their final respects to Pope Francis. Since Wednesday, more than 125 000 people have have come to the Basilica to honour the late Pope.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside at the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin on Friday, April 25, at 20:00, ahead of the papal funeral on Saturday morning.
Pope Francis’ Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 in St. Peter’s Square, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, an ancient tradition of nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of the late Pope’s soul.
Popes are usually buried within Vatican City, beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. But Pope Francis will be the first pontiff in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican, as he requested a “simple” tomb a couple of miles away in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – also known as St. Mary Major.
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