The Diocese of Georgetown will host a Requiem Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Friday in celebration of the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
Pope Francis, who served as the 266th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, was the first Latin American leader of the Church. He died following complications from an infection that had led to double pneumonia.
According to *BBC News*, he had been discharged from hospital last month after five weeks of treatment.
In a press release issued today, the Diocese said the late Pope would be remembered “for his deep compassion, humility and commitment to social and environmental justice.”
“His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the church, and we unite with Catholics around the world in mourning his loss and celebrating his legacy,” the release added.
Tributes from global leaders have poured in following the Pope’s death. King Charles III, who met Pope Francis privately earlier this month during his state visit to Italy, remarked, “His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.”
The acting head of the Church of England, the Archbishop of York, described the Pope as a “holy man of God” who was “also very human.”
US Vice-President JD Vance, who visited Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, said his “heart goes out” to Christians. “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill,” he said.
The White House also issued a tribute via social media, stating, “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.”
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called him a “great man” and shared that she had the privilege of enjoying his “friendship, advice and teachings.”
President Dr Irfaan Ali joined the global community in mourning, noting that the Pope’s passing would be deeply felt across all continents.
The President also highlighted the Pope’s commitment to important global issues. He will long be remembered for the simplicity of his lifestyle, his enlightened stance on global concerns such as climate change, inequality and migration, and his role in fostering improved inter-faith dialogue and relations, said President Ali.
