VATICAN CITY, Rome – Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle led a solemn Rosary Thursday evening at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where Pope Francis will be laid to rest on April 26.
Pope Francis, 88, passed away on April 22 following complications from double pneumonia, a stroke, and irreversible heart failure, as confirmed by the Vatican.
In his message before the fourth mystery of the Rosary, Tagle cited the Gospel reading where Jesus asks His disciples, “Why are you troubled?”
Tagle said the passage offered hope to the faithful as he urged Catholics to entrust the late Pontiff to the care of the Virgin Mary.
Tagle, former Manila archbishop and pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, also praised Pope Francis’ compassion and humility.
Meanwhile, thousands continue to gather at Saint Peter’s Basilica to pay respects to the late Pontiff during his public viewing.
Vatican officials reported that at least 90,000 visitors have flocked to the basilica as of Thursday, with many Argentinians honoring his legacy.
Preparations are in full swing at Saint Peter’s Square, where a general Mass will be held before Pope Francis’ remains are transferred for burial.
In accordance with his will, the late Pope will be interred in a simple tomb at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, reflecting his devotion to Mary.
He is the first pope in over a century to be buried outside Vatican City.
Public viewing of his final resting place will begin Sunday, April 27.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was elected the 266th pope on March 13, 2013. He was the first Latin American and Jesuit pope.
Pope Francis endeared himself to Filipinos during his 2015 apostolic visit to the Philippines, where he held Masses in Manila and storm-hit Tacloban.
