VATICAN CITY — After the casket bearing Pope Francis’ body was placed in St. Peter’s Basilica, tens of thousands of mourners lined up to pay their respects.
“From the very first moment he appeared at the balcony and was introduced to the world as the successor to St. Peter, we saw the humility of Pope Francis,” Bishop Michael F. Burbidge said during a Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington April 23.
ROME — In Pope Francis’ last formal interview before he died, he shared the one lifelong regret he had never forgiven himself for: lying to avoid seeing an old family acquaintance because he was too busy.
VATICAN CITY — To the chanting of Christ’s promise, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,” the mortal remains of Pope Francis were carried into St. Peter’s Basilica by 14 pallbearers.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis’ final moments were peaceful, and he managed to give one last farewell to his nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, before slipping into a coma early April 21, Vatican News reported.
VATICAN CITY — The funeral Mass of Pope Francis will be celebrated April 26 in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced.
VATICAN CITY — Here is a timeline of some significant events in Pope Francis’ 12-year pontificate:
VATICAN CITY — In his brief final testament, Pope Francis asked to be buried at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major and said he had offered his suffering for peace in the world.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis died April 21 after suffering a stroke and heart attack, said the director of Vatican City State’s department of health services. The pope had also gone into a coma.
I join with Catholics and all people of goodwill across the Diocese of Arlington, the nation and the world in prayer as we mourn the death of Pope Francis. Over the course of his long life, the Holy Father served as a witness to the risen Christ, our source of hope for eternal happiness.
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