Cardinal Giovanni Battista
Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, paid tribute to Pope
Francis's spirit of sacrifice in his homily at the late
pontiff's funeral in St Peter's Square on Saturday.
"Despite his final fragility and suffering, Pope Francis chose
to walk the path of self-giving until the last day of his
earthly life," Re said as he presided over the funeral.
"He followed in the footsteps of his Lord, the good Shepherd,
who loved his sheep to the point of giving his own life for
them.
"And he did so with strength and serenity, close to his flock,
the Church of God".
Francis made an appearance in St Peter's Square on Easter
Sunday, the day before he died aged 88 on Monday.
"In spiritual union with all of Christendom we are here in great
numbers to pray for Pope Francis so that God may receive him in
the immensity of his love," Re continued.
"Pope Francis used to conclude his speeches and personal
meetings by saying: 'Do not forget to pray for me'.
"Now, dear Pope Francis, we ask you to pray for us and we ask
that from heaven you bless the Church, bless Rome, bless the
entire world, as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this
Basilica in a final embrace with all of God's people, but also
with humanity that seeks the truth with a sincere heart and
holds high the torch of hope".
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