The death of Pope Francis He has moved the Catholic world.
The Archbishop of the Altos, Quetzaltenango-Totonicapán, Victor Hugo Palma, He expressed his feelings to this loss that marks a historical moment for the Church.
“Today is a day when two feelings are mixed: the sadness for the earthly loss of Pope Francis, but also hope and gratitude for his life”said Monsignor Palma.
The Archbishop stressed that, for more than one billion Catholics in the worldthis day is full of emotions found.
“The Pope, who barely gave his last message, his blessing to the city and the world, today has been called by the Lord to his Holy Gloria”he said moved.
A pontificate of closeness, justice and fraternity
During his speech, Monsignor Palma recalled the values that marked Francisco’s pontificate.
“It was the Pope who taught us that the gospel is joy, that He asked us to take care of migrants as no other had done so. He also called us to protect the common house, the planet, because we have no other, ”he said.
He also highlighted the Pope’s opening towards complex social issues. “With his encyclical about marriage, he knew how to speak to those who live difficult situations. He asked us fraternity. ‘Hopefully we are all brothers,” he said, “he said,” he said, “he said,” he said.
The archbishop recalled with special emotion the gesture of the Pope during the pandemic. “He stayed alone in the Plaza de San Pedro, but gave us hope. He reminded us that the Lord is with his people”.
He also mentioned that the Pope leaves the Synodality synoda process that continues, and the Jubileo de la Esperanza 2025.
“God wanted to call him Right after Easterin this eighth that looks like a day that does not end. In the sky Maria, mother of hope, and her beloved San José, Delivery and Love Model receives it”, He concluded.
Liturgical activities in Quetzaltenango and Totonicapán
Monsignor Palma announced that on Monday a solemn mass will be held in suffrage for the soul of Pope Francis, at 12.00 in the cathedral of the Holy Spirit of Quetzaltenango.
In addition, for nine consecutive days Masses will be held at 18.00 in all the parishes of the Archdiocese. Conferences and other commemorative acts are also planned on dates to be defined.
Apostolic Nuncio also expressed his feeling
From the headquarters of the Apostolic Nunciature in Guatemala City, Nuncio Francisco Montecillo – representative of the Pope in the country – lamented the death:
“Today we celebrate Easter eighth, and we have also received the sad news of the death of our beloved Pope Francis. We pray for his eternal rest and because he intercedes for us from above.”
He also indicated that various masses will be held in parishes and cathedrals of the country, although liturgical acts will not be performed, since it is not an ecclesial headquarters.
The Apostolic Nunciature confirmed that a Book of condolences For civil and ecclesiastical authorities to express their messages in memory of Pope Francis.
The book will be available for one or two – on a date to be confirmed – and will be sent to the Vatican Secretary of State.
Likewise, tables are prepared with photographs of the Supreme Pontiff as part of the tribute in the Diplomatic headquarters of the Holy See in Guatemala.