Six Months Since the Passing of Pope Francis:
CARDINAL KEVIN FARRELL
"Dear brothers and sisters, it's with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis."
With those words, Cardinal Kevin Farrell made a public announcement that would soon echo around the world. Moments later, crowds of pilgrims began to fill St. Peter’s Square.
Many were visibly shocked. Just the day before, Pope Francis had delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing following the Easter Mass and made his customary tour in the Popemobile.
It was a day that would remain etched in the memory of many. One pilgrim, for example, didn't hesitate when she saw the Popemobile approaching — she jumped forward to hand the Pope a statue of the Virgin Mary. A memory that she still cherishes to this day
TRINIDAD DENMARK
Chilean Pilgrim
The Pope was coming, and I gathered my courage and jumped forward. The guards grabbed me, but I managed to break free. Then the priest next to the Pope told the guards not to hold me back and asked what I wanted. He asked if the Virgin statue I was holding was mine: I said yes. He asked if I wanted to give it to the Pope, and I said yes again. He took it and gave it to the Pope.
I’m still a bit overwhelmed because that was the last thing the Pope received, and he kept it. But I also feel incredibly lucky to have had that moment. It felt deeply personal.
Thousands of pilgrims passed through the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects and show their affection for the late Pope. The response was so overwhelming that the Vatican was compelled to extend both the hours and the number of days allocated for public mourning.
Then, a few days later, Pope Francis's body was transferred to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in what was described as his final journey in the Popemobile.
Today, his remains rest in a small chapel beside the image of Salus Populi Romani, the Virgin Mary to whom he had a deep and enduring devotion. Six months after his passing, thousands of pilgrims continue to visit, offering thanks and paying tribute to the legacy of the Argentine pontiff.
BAM
TD: KS
