Let’s Protect Pope Francis’ Legacy by Fighting Injustice: Chadian Catholic Archbishop

According to the Archbishop, keeping Pope Francis’ memory alive includes reflecting on his dedication to the poor and marginalized, as well as his commitment to fostering sincere interreligious dialogue, particularly between Islam and Christianity.

In his message, the 72-year-old Catholic Bishop, who began his Episcopal ministry in February 1992 as the Local Ordinary of Chad’s Diocese of Sarh, also provided specific directives on how Pope Francis would be commemorated within the Metropolitan See.

He said that prayers would be said in families, in groups, and in liturgical celebrations.

“Each family will pray the mysteries of the rosary for Pope Francis, at a time that suits them,” Archbishop Djitangar said, and encouraged groups looking to embark on prayers for the Holy Father to organize schedules that are convenient to them.

At the Parish level, the Chadian Archbishop says that the daily parish Masses on Wednesday, 23, Thursday, 24, and Friday, 25 will be celebrated for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, who passed on Easter Monday, 21.

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On Friday, 25, the Local Ordinary of N’Djamena directs that Parishes can organize a prayer vigil or a celebration of vespers from the liturgy of the dead in favor of Pope Francis, who he says “took the outstretched hands of the Risen One” after a long struggle with illness.

At the Diocesan level, Archbishop Djitangar says that “a chapelle ardente is open in the Blessed Sacrament chapel of Notre Dame de la Paix Cathedral, with a book of prayer intentions for Pope François.”

“The rosary will be said every day at 5 p.m. and the Eucharist celebrated at the Cathedral for the Pope's intentions,” he says, adding, “Condolences will be received at the Archdiocese from Wednesday, April 23, to Friday April 25, and at the Apostolic Nunciature in Chad (from 10 am to 12 pm).”

He said that a solemn Eucharist will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26, in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace of his Metropolitan See, in communion with the funeral celebration of Pope Francis at St. Peter's in Rome.

Archbishop Djitangar has postponed the celebration of the Jubilee of Catechists and the dedication of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace scheduled for April 26, and invited Priests, religious, and all the faithful in the Archdiocese to attend the Mass at the Cathedral.