Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Vatican, led a prayer service for the late Pope Francis at the St Mary Major Basilica in Rome. The basilica holds great significance as it is the resting place of the former Pope and houses his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary. People gathered outside to pay their respects to the late Holy Father.
Catholics, such as Pedro Marques and Ines Ramirez, have traveled from long distances to participate in the prayer service and show their gratitude to the former Pope. They believe that his actions and legacy will remain in the memory of Catholics and bring about discussions and changes within the Church.
Tributes have been pouring in from around the world since news of the Pope’s passing spread. In Ecuador, the Pontifical Catholic University has opened a book of commemoration for the public to sign. The Cuban government declared a period of mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast. In Cairo, Egyptian Coptic Catholics attended a prayer service. These memorial services and prayers are a sign of respect and grief for the former Pope.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/23/rosary-prayer-for-pope-francis-held-at-st-mary-major-basilica-in-rome
