Across Europe, vigils, tributes, and special services are being held to mourn the death of Pope Francis. In Italy, church bells tolled and flags were lowered to half-staff in Rome. In France, an Evening Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral allowed worshippers to pay homage to the late pontiff during a prayer vigil. Families attending the mass lit candles in front of a large photograph of the Pope, while the bells of Notre Dame rang out 88 times to mark the Pope’s years. The Eiffel Tower even went dark as a tribute.
In Madrid, mass was held at the Almudena Cathedral where attendees expressed their grief at the passing of Pope Francis. Many spoke of his impact on the Church and society, noting his legacy of love and inclusion. In Hungary, Croatia, and Bulgaria, Vatican flags were raised as worshippers echoed similar sentiments about the Pope’s influence. Residents in a small Hungarian town gathered near a church to remember the simple and puritanical man who tried to bring those values to the Church. In Zagreb, Croatia, mourners gathered at the Catholic Cathedral to pay their respects to the late pontiff.
In Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, Catholics lit candles at the Cathedral while Monsignor Rumen Stanev praised Francis for his affinity for marginalized and abandoned individuals. He likened the Pope to Jesus in the Gospels, walking among sinners, outcasts, and the weak. In the UK, the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, led a Requiem Mass at Westminster Cathedral in honor of Pope Francis. Flags were flown at half-mast across London to commemorate the Pope’s passing.
The Pope’s death has deeply impacted communities across Europe, with many expressing fond memories and gratitude for his leadership. In Italy, France, Spain, Hungary, Croatia, and Bulgaria, gatherings have been held to remember Pope Francis and his profound influence on the Catholic Church and wider society. Attendees at vigils, mass services, and tributes have shared stories of the Pope’s love, inclusivity, simplicity, and dedication to the marginalized, highlighting the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
The loss of Pope Francis has been felt keenly in Europe, with a sense of sadness and reflection pervading communities as they remember his impact. Through candlelight vigils, prayers, and special services, faithfuls have come together to mourn the passing of a beloved leader. The Pope’s memory is being honored through gestures like bell tolling, flag lowering, and moments of silence, as people pay their respects and celebrate the life of a man who touched so many hearts.
As Europe mourns the death of Pope Francis, the sense of loss is palpable in the words and actions of those who knew him or felt his influence. Whether in Italy, France, Spain, Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria, or the UK, the Pope’s legacy is being remembered and celebrated with reverence and gratitude. Vigils and tributes serve as a way to honor the life and work of a man who dedicated himself to spreading love, inclusivity, and compassion throughout the Catholic Church and beyond.
