Austria in grief: bells ring for Pope Francis at 5 p.m.

Austria in grief: bells ring for Pope Francis at 5 p.m.

Wien, Österreich - On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died. His death was announced in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta by Cardinal Farrell. There were important dignitaries such as Cardinal State Secretary Pietro Parolin and the master of ceremonies Bishop Diego Ravelli. Francis, born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Pope from Latin America and became the successor to Pope Benedict XVI in March 2013. elected.

in Austria today, on Easter Monday, at 5:00 p.m., the church bells all over the country ring for ten minutes as a sign of grief about the loss of the popular Pope. Churches and church buildings are flagged black to express grief. This measure was announced by Archbishop Franz Lackner, the chairman of the Bishops' Conference. Around the bell ringing, mourning fairs, prayers and devotions take place in the parishes and dioceses to honor Francis's memory. Particularly noteworthy is a small requiem that is led by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn in Vienna at 6:00 p.m.

grief and honors

The Pummerin in St. Stephen's Cathedral heralded shortly after 10:00 a.m. after the death confirmed by the Vatican. In a message, Archbishop Lackner also expressed his deep grief about the loss. Numerous high -ranking personalities also have their grief. The Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen described Francis as inspiration for millions and as a guide of hope. Chancellor Christian Stocker also spoke of a painful loss for the Catholic Church.

not only in Austria, but also internationally, the death of Francis was mourned. The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the Pope as a great pastor. European leaders such as the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed her grief. Even international personalities such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish President Andrzej Duda described him as an apostle of mercy.

a legacy of the dialogue and the Reformation

Pope Francis was considered a reformer who rejected pomp and privileges and wanted to open the church to more believers. During his tenure, he called on to welcome homosexuals, although he banned the blessing of same -sex marriages in 2021. His efforts to appoint more women in leading positions in the Vatican and to promote dialogue with Islam were also remarkable. His trips attracted great crowds and he was the first Pope to visit the Arabian Peninsula.

The big requiem for Francis will take place in the St. St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna within nine days, but the exact date has not yet been set. The grief for the late Pope is shared in many countries, and the memories of his merits and his messages will remain in the hearts of the faithful. Francis strengthened the fight against sexual abuse by clergymen and abolished the "papal secret" for cases of abuse.

born on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, he was ordained a priest in 1969. His choice to the Pope in 2013 surprised many church connoisseurs, and his commitment to social justice and compassion is considered by many as his greatest legacy.

For more information about the funeral service and the reactions to the death of Pope Francis, readers can report the reports on vienna.at , apa.at visit.