A mass held on Sunday late afternoon at St. Peter's Basilica marked the end of the nine days of mourning observed at the Vatican following the death of Pope Francis, AFP reported.
The mourning period began on Saturday, April 26, the day of his grand funeral attended by a massive crowd, as well as heads of state and royalty, who came to pay tribute to the Argentine pope, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 from a stroke.
During these "novemdiales," solemn ceremonies were held daily at St. Peter's Basilica.
On Sunday, during his homily, French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti praised Pope Francis' "intense pastoral life" and the "countless encounters" he had, which "were based on long moments of prayer."
It is this cardinal, who holds the title of protodeacon, who will pronounce the famous Latin formula "Habemus papam" ("We have a pope") before the first appearance of the newly elected pope on the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, following the conclave that is set to begin on Wednesday.
AFP
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