Manila Cathedral holds a requiem mass on Tuesday, April 22, for the eternal repose of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Monday, April 21. — Photo from Dianne Sampang/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic faithful should light a candle and say a prayer for the late Pope Francis, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Pablo Virgil Cardinal David said on Tuesday.
David relayed this instruction after leading a mass at San Roque Cathedral Parish in Caloocan City to honor the late pontiff.
Pope Francis, whose birth name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died on Monday, according to the Vatican. He was 88 years old.
The faithful are instructed to light a candle and say this prayer, which reads:
“O God of mercy and compassion, we entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, whom You have called from this life to Yourself. Grateful for his tireless witness to the Gospel, his courage in proclaiming mercy, and his love for the poor and for the earth, we now commend his soul to Your eternal embrace. Grant him the reward of faithful service: the joy of seeing You face to face.
“May he rest in the peace of Christ, whom he served with humility and hope. Amen.”
Priests and lay people could light a candle at church or at home.
However, the Bishop of Kalookan has a caveat.
“If you light a candle at home, be careful,” he said in an interview. “Make sure that after saying our recommended prayers, put out the candle.”
“We don’t want Pope Francis to be the reason for the fire in your houses,” he added.
Shortly after the pontiff’s passing, David also ordered all churches in the country to ring their bells.
READ: CBCP head wants to make it to Pope Francis funeral before conclave
David is targeting to attend Pope Francis’ funeral before the upcoming conclave, where he will take part in electing the successor of the late Supreme Pontiff.