“These few lines are to tell you that, as in the Whole World, emotions are running high here in Rome. The World’s Media have reached the heart of Christianity, relaying Information 24 hours a day. The Brothers of the Casa Generalizia are with you in the Streets of Rome, in St. Peter’s Square, in St. Peter’s Basilica, etc.
Following the Shock News of the Death of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21st, the day after Easter, an Immense Crowd of Pilgrims, Romans, Italians and Christians from all over the World flocked to Rome to pay their Last Respects.
Pope Francis’s Body now lies in St. Peter’s Basilica, and crowds are gathering to pay tribute to him one last time. Last night, the Basilica’s doors were supposed to close at midnight, but due to the large crowds, they closed at 5 a.m. and reopened today at 7 a.m., likely until late next night.
St. Peter’s Square is preparing to host the Funeral of Pope Francis, and all around the Vatican, large screens are already in place to bring the event to life; and there’s no doubt that next Saturday, there would be a crowd!
Crowds would also line along the route taken by the Motorcade that would take Pope Francis to his final resting place, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
Then the Church will experience another important event: the Conclave, with its 135 Cardinal Electors who would choose the Successor of Pope Francis.
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Brothers Joseph Zziwa and Mathias Senfuka went to pay homage to Pope Francis on Wednesday morning, April 23rd.
Brothers Claude Grégoire, Nicolas Le Meilleur, Alberto Ramos, and Hervé Asse paid tribute to Pope Francis this Thursday Morning, April 24th.
Here in Rome, we appreciate the grace of following all these events, mingling with the Pilgrims. And as every time we have crossed the Holy Doors here in Rome, as a Community, we carry with us the Entire Mennaisian Family. Yesterday and this morning, the Brothers of the Casa Community went to pay their last respects to Pope Francis, along with you.
Testimony of Brother Hervé ASSE