Last funeral fair for Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica – Diepresse.com

In the last funeral mass for Pope Francis Cardinal Dominique Mamberti honored his tireless efforts in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday afternoon. Francis remained true to his mission until his strength was completely exhausted, said the French cardinal at his sermon. He warned the mighty and announced the joy of the gospel to all of humanity.

Francis did this in his teaching, on his travels, in his gestures and in his way of life. « At Easter, I was at his side at the Benediction Loggia of this basilica, but above all his courage and determination to serve the people of God to the end, » Mamberti recalled the last public appearance of Francis on Easter Sunday.

The Frenchman also called the 126 visits by Francis on the Marien icon « Salus Populi Romani ». The Pope from Argentina regularly prayed in front of the image of Mary in the Roman Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. In a small niche next to this chapel, it was buried at his own request. « And now that he rests near the beloved portrait, we trust him with gratitude and confidence in the intercession of the mother of the Lord and our mother, » concluded Mamberti.

Traditionally nine funeral services after the death of a Pope

The traditional nine mourning services after the death of a Pope, called Novendiale, have different high -ranking church men. The Mamberti (73) from Corsica led the highest church court, the apostolic signature. As the longest serving cardinal diacon, he will announce the name of the elected by the Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica after the pope election has been selected.

With the fair he led, the nine -day mourning time for Francis has ended. An intensification of the preliminary man is emerging for Monday. For the first time, the cardinals advise twice, on the previous and afternoon, about a possible successor to Francis. The actual pope election begins on Wednesday (May 7th). (APA/KAP)