This afternoon at 15:15, a solemn bell toll will sound at the basilica, lasting up to four minutes.
The bell chimes every 13th at that time, celebrating the Apparitions of Fátima in a joyous manner.
The Sanctuary of Fátima announced that the prayer for Pope Francis, initiated upon news of his death, “will continue in the official masses of the sanctuary until his funeral.”
“May the Risen Lord welcome the Holy Father Francis in the fullness of eternal hope. Let us pray to the Lord,” is the prayer being read in official celebrations.
Pope Francis passed away today at the age of 88, after a 12-year pontificate marked by his fight against sexual abuse, wars, and a pandemic.
Born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, Francis became the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis had been hospitalized for 38 days due to bilateral pneumonia and was discharged on March 23. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday at the Vatican, the day before he died.
