Cathedral of St. John the Baptist to host solemn mass honoring Pope Francis
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist will host a special mass Monday afternoon honoring the late Pope Francis.
Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune will offer mass on Monday, April 28, at noon as part of the church’s nine-day mourning period.
Leaders with the Diocese of Charleston said the special mass will serve as an opportunity for the faithful to pray for the Pope and the repose of his soul.
Those who cannot attend Monday’s mass in person can stream the service live on the church’s YouTube and Facebook pages.
Pope Francis, the 266th head of the Catholic Church, died the day after Easter and nearly a month after he was released from a hospital in Rome where he had fought a respiratory illness. The Vatican said his cause of death was a cerebral stroke, which led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
“As we mourn his passing and grieve, we also rejoice in the hope of the Resurrection. Let us turn to prayer, asking for his intercession and entrusting his soul to God’s mercy as we carry his legacy of love, humility and service to others. May God receive him into the joy of heaven,” said Bishop Fabre-Jeune in a statement following the Pope’s death.
A black bunting was draped over the doors at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Monday to symbolize a state of mourning. The church then welcomed a large congregation into the sanctuary for afternoon mass and remembrance.
The funeral of Pope Francis will be held Saturday in St. Peter’s Square in Rome. The funeral will take place after Francis’ body lies in state for three days at St. Peter’s Basilica.
