Expressing Sympathies over the Passing of Pope Francis

Saying Goodbye to Pope Francis: A Global Response

Banner raised for the interment of Pope Francis - Expressing Sympathies over the Passing of Pope Francis

Remember when Pope Francis, the leader known for his commitment to unity and service, passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday in 2025? His funeral, held on Saturday, April 26, was a poignant occasion attended by a staggering 250,000 people from all walks of life. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the service at the iconic St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.

Heralding the funeral were readings from the Acts of the Apostles, the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians, and the Gospel according to John. The liturgy continued with prayers in various languages, reflecting the diversity of the attending masses[1][3].

Following the funeral, Pope Francis was laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, as per his last will. His coffin, carried in a spine-tingling procession aboard the pope-mobile, journeyed through the streets of Rome [3][4], ultimately reaching his final resting place.

In response to the Pope's passing, Rhineland-Palatinate, a German state, paid its respects through a flag lowering ceremony. Minister-President Alexander Schweitzer (SPD) of Mainz, along with Bishop Peter Kohlgraf of Mainz, General Vicar Sebastian Lang, and Dean of the Cathedral Henning Priesel[2], commemorated the occasion by signing the condolence book at the Mainz Cathedral. The flag lowering began at 8:00 AM on Saturday and ended at sunset[1].

This solemn event served as a poignant reminder of Pope Francis' indelible impact on the Catholic Church and the world at large, inspiring people to reflect on his life, legacy, and service. While specific reactions from Alexander Schweitzer were not found in our search results, local news sources or statements from him might offer more insight.

1. Vatican News - Pope Francis' Funeral Service
2. Mainz Cathedral - Condolence Book
3. Catholic News Agency - Pope Francis Buried in Santa Maria Maggiore
4. Rome Scoop - Pope Francis' Final Procession through Rome
5. ABC News - Global Mourning for Pope Francis
6. On the occasion of Pope Francis' passing, Rhineland-Palatinate, a German state, participated in a flag lowering ceremony as a gesture of condolences.
7. The flag lowering ceremony commenced at 8:00 AM on Saturday and concluded at sunset, reflecting the sadness and respect felt by the state for the late Pope Francis.
8. At the Mainz Cathedral, Minister-President Alexander Schweitzer, Bishop Peter Kohlgraf, General Vicar Sebastian Lang, and Dean of the Cathedral Henning Priesel signed the condolence book in remembrance of Pope Francis.

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