The member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost Fathers/Spiritans/CSSp.) said, “With that prophetic act, the Pope inaugurated the Jubilee of Mercy by opening the Holy Door in Bangui—a first in Church history, where such an act began not in Rome, but in our land. It was his way of saying: This country is blessed and loved by the Holy Father.”
Making reference to his elevation as Cardinal, the Archbishop of Bangui said, “Pope Francis continued to demonstrate his love for us. From this poor and forgotten country, he chose one of our own to be among his closest collaborators—an act of trust and esteem that brought honor to our nation.”
“Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we remain hopeful. In fact, just recently, he launched the Jubilee of Hope and called Christians to become pilgrims of hope. Now, he himself walks this path of hope toward eternal life, showing us the way,” Cardinal Nzapalainga said.
Pope Francis’s coffin now lies in St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will remain for three days of public viewing.
The Funeral Mass for the late Holy Father has been scheduled for Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square. He is to be laid to rest at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, as he explained in his testament.
Kevin Joseph Cardinal Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy See’s Apostolic Chamber, who, in a video message, announced the passing on of the 88-year-old Pontiff, is leading the Vatican affairs and the Papal transition.
Vatican physician, Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, has since confirmed that Pope Francis died from a stroke, coma, and irreversible cardiac arrest. He had been struggling with double pneumonia and a respiratory infection. He led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years.
In the April 22 press conference, Cardinal Nzapalainga said, “We believe that from above, he will continue to intercede for all Christians in the world—especially those in Bangui, whom he visited and who continue to love him dearly.”
Cardinal Nzapalainga invited the people of God in CAR to “remain in spiritual communion and join in this great prayer of mourning and thanksgiving.”
“Let us unite in prayer for the soul of our Holy Father, baptized into the Body of Christ, now returned to the Father,” the Local Ordinary of Bangui said.
