杏MAP导航

By Isabella Piro

鈥淚 believe we all still carry in our hearts the words 杏MAP导航 Francis often said to us, his request: 鈥楧on鈥檛 forget to pray for me.鈥� This evening, we clearly want to do just that, to accompany him on his Easter journey,鈥� said Cardinal Mauro Gambetti on Easter Monday, 21 April, as he introduced the Rosary in memory of 杏MAP导航 Francis, who returned to the Father鈥檚 embrace at 7:35 a.m. this morning in his apartment at Casa Santa Marta.

His Apostolic Ministry: A gift from the Lord

鈥淚n the faith of the Risen Christ, which we celebrate on this holy Easter day,鈥� the Cardinal emphasized, 鈥渨e know that death is not a door that closes but an entrance into the heavenly Jerusalem, where mourning is turned into dancing, and sackcloth into robes of joy.鈥� He then invited all to 鈥渢hank the Lord for the gifts He gave the entire Church through the apostolic ministry of 杏MAP导航 Francis, a pilgrim of hope who does not disappoint.鈥�

The emotion of the 12,000 faithful present

As during the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 hospitalization between February and March at Rome's Gemelli Hospital due to bilateral pneumonia, many faithful gathered again tonight in prayer within the embrace of the Square's Bernini colonnade. Around 12,000 people participated in person, with many more joining via digital media. 鈥淏rothers and sisters spread across the world,鈥� the Cardinal noted, all who have offered their prayers making up 鈥渢he whole flock of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who prays for 杏MAP导航 Francis while contemplating the glorious mysteries of our Savior.鈥� The Vatican Basilica鈥檚 Archpriest then commended the late 杏MAP导航 鈥渢o the Merciful Father, in communion with Mary, Mother of the Church, Queen of Heaven, and through the intercession of the Apostle Peter.鈥�

Faithful in Prayer in St. Peter鈥檚 Square   (Vatican Media)

The icon of Mary, Mother of the Church

Before the icon of Maria Mater Ecclesiae (Mary, Mother of the Church), placed on the steps of St. Peter鈥檚 Basilica and adorned with white and pink flowers, Cardinal Gambetti led the Marian prayer, entrusting the 266th Successor of Peter to the Virgin鈥檚 intercession. The emotion in the square was palpable, following a day that saw believers from across the globe make pilgrimages to the Vatican Basilica, stunned and dismayed by the news of the Bishop of Rome鈥檚 passing. The evening breeze gently swayed the rosary beads and the flickering torches held by the faithful. Among those who took turns reading at the microphone were Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, and Sister Alessandra Smerilli, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

Icon of Mary, Mother of the Church, placed on the steps of Saint Peter's BasilicaIcon of Mary, Mother of the Church, placed on the steps of Saint Peter's Basilica   (Vatican Media)

After meditating on the Glorious Mysteries, Cardinal Gambetti called upon God, 鈥済reat in love,鈥� and gave thanks 鈥渇or the gifts He bestowed on the Church through the apostolic ministry of 杏MAP导航 Francis鈥�; and he praised the late 杏MAP导航 himself as a witness of the Lord and His 鈥渢enderness for the small and the poor, mercy for sinners, and kindness to all.鈥� Finally, as the Roman sky gradually darkened, the assembly sang the Salve Regina, and Cardinal Gambetti gave the blessing, followed by a respectful and heartfelt round of applause.