TACLOBAN CITY – Masses for the eternal repose of Pope Francis are scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 26, at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Palo and at the Tacloban Daniel Z. Romualdez(DZR) Airport, following the Vatican’s announcement of the pope’s death on April 21.
Archbishop John Du of the Archdiocese of Palo will lead the requiem mass at 12 noon at the Palo Cathedral, according to the archdiocese’s announcement.
The mass will be attended by priests, the laity, and the faithful.
The Palo Cathedral was a significant site during the pope’s 2015 visit, which took place on January 17, more than a year after Typhoon Yolanda devastated the region.
Pope Francis’ visit brought hope and encouragement to the survivors, reaffirming the resilience of the community in the face of adversity.
In Tacloban, a mass will also be held at the new DZR airport tarmac, where Pope Francis celebrated a mass attended by thousands of pilgrims, despite the heavy rain brought on by Typhoon ‘Amang’.
His presence in the region during one of its most challenging times ignited a sense of renewal, inspiring locals not only to rebuild their homes but also their dignity and spirit.
Since the announcement of Pope Francis’ passing, churches under the Archdiocese of Palo and its suffragan dioceses have been offering mass intentions for the late pontiff. These special prayers will continue for at least nine days.
Fr. Chris Militante, communication officer for the Palo Archdiocese, noted that the intention for the pope’s soul is being observed in parishes across the region.
In solidarity with the national mourning, Philippine flags in government offices have been flown at half-mast, following Proclamation No. 871 issued by Malacañang, which declared a period of mourning until the pope’s burial on April 26. Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the largest Marian church in Rome.
Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church for nearly a decade, passed away at the age of 87, leaving a profound legacy of compassion, advocacy for the poor, and a commitment to peace and justice.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
