Shillong, April 22 : Hundreds of Catholic faithful gathered at the Mary Help of Christians Church in Laitumkhrah on Tuesday to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday (April 21) at the age of 88.
The Requiem Mass, held in honor of the late pontiff, was marked by prayers, tears, and heartfelt tributes. “He was a beacon of hope and peace. His passing has left a void, not just for Catholics but for the whole world,” said a woman who came to attend the service.
Another mourner expressed hope for a worthy successor. “We must pray that God sends us a good pope. As Catholic faithful, we have to keep praying,” he said.
A woman recalled the Pope’s final message, which emphasized global peace and a ceasefire in war-torn regions. “His appeal for peace was so powerful. It’s something I will never forget,” she said.
A man solemnly added, “I will pray that the angels take care of his soul in heaven.”
Meanwhile, the Holy See Press Office announced that the funeral Mass for Pope Francis will take place on April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. The body of the late pontiff will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica from April 23, beginning at 9:00 AM.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the funeral Mass, which will be concelebrated by church leaders from around the world. The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and Valedictio, marking the start of the nine-day mourning period known as Novemdiales.
Before the funeral, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will lead the rite of translation as the coffin is carried from the chapel of Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica. The solemn procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and enter the Basilica through the central door.
Following the funeral rites, Pope Francis’ body will be taken for entombment at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
The late Pope Francis, known for his humility and tireless advocacy for peace, leaves behind a legacy that touched millions across faiths and continents.
Also Read: Pope Francis’s funeral set for Saturday
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on-
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
 at the age of 88.){kind=link}