As the Vatican choirs sung, the pope’s coffin was set on a carpet in front of the altar, and the book of gospels was put on top.
In order to highlight the worldwide reach of the Roman Catholic Church, which has 1.4 billion members, choirs sang Latin hymns and prayers were delivered in a variety of languages,
Including Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and Arabic. When Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re discussed Francis’ concern for immigration,
His persistent calls for peace, the need of negotiating an end to conflicts, and the significance of the environment, the audience erupted in cheers.
According to Re, Pope Francis was “rich in human warmth and deeply sensitive to today’s challenges, truly sharing the anxieties, sufferings, and hopes of this time.”
