The Vatican announced on Thursday (24) that a group of poor and needy will be present in the steps leading to the papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to pay the last tribute to Pope Francis before the coffin.
The Holy See statement reinforces that “the poor occupy a privileged place in the heart of God” and Francis.
That’s exactly why – and for a Brazilian cardinal advice – that he chose that name for the papacy.
In the conclave of 2013, after the then new Pope reaches the number necessary to be elected, Dom Claudio Hummes, Archbishop Emeritus of Sao Paulo, approached, kissed him and said, “Never forget the poor.”
“It was there that I chose the name I would have as Pope: Francis,” said the pontiff in his book, noting that it was a tribute to St. Francis of Assisi, known for exercising his religious life in simplicity and dedicating himself to the poor.
The funeral will take place this Saturday (26) at 10am, local time (5am from Brasilia), with a strong security scheme.
Francisco asked to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the first in about 100 years to be buried outside the Vatican.
Pope asked for simple tomb on a will
In Pope Francis’ will, signed on July 29, 2022, the Pontiff sought to reinforce his will as to his burial.
He expressed that he would like his remains to be placed in the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, in a simple grave, excavated in the ground, without decoration and only with the inscription “Franciscus”.
Finally, Francis left the message that he offered “the Lord the suffering that was present in the last part of my life for world peace and the fraternity among peoples.”
“I have always trusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the mother of our Lord, Santa Maria. Therefore, I ask my remains to rest waiting for the day of resurrection in the papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore,” says the document.
See images of Pope Francis’ life:
Who are the Brazilian cardinals who vote for the conclave and can be Papa
This content was originally published in Pope Francis’ funeral will have tribute from poor and needy on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
