QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced that the books of condolence will be available for signing on April 29, Tuesday at the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila following the death of Pope Francis.
The public is invited to visit and express condolences or share memories of the late pontiff. The books will be open to the public on the said date from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Pope Francis died Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. He was 88.
He served as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church after being elected in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
In 2015, the late pontiff visited the Philippines – drawing millions of faithful during his pastoral trip.
After his death, masses have been held in churches across the country in memory of the pope.
According to CBCP, his funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26 (4 p.m. in the Philippines) in St. Peter’s Square. It will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
Following the Mass, the pope’s coffin will be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica, and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
