DENVER — Denver will hold ceremonies for the late Pope Francis in Denver throughout the week, ahead of the funeral for the Roman Catholic Church's 266th pontiff on Saturday.
The Archdiocese of Denver entered a period of mourning following the announcement of the pope's death Monday morning.
The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver led a rosary for Francis at 11:30 a.m. Monday, followed by a mass at 12:10 p.m. Those ceremonies will continue throughout the week. The Archdiocese of Denver will also host mass at 7:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for around 600,000 Catholics in Colorado.
The memorials honoring the late pope extend to local government agencies as well, with Governor Jared Polis ordering that flags lowered to half staff until the pope's day of interment. The Pope's funeral is scheduled for this Saturday.
National
Pope Francis' funeral scheduled for Saturday morning in St. Peter's Square
The governor released the following statement upon hearing the news:
“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Pope Francis today. PopeFrancis was a pillar of compassion and a champion in creating a more inclusive and welcoming gospel. Pope Francis has spoken up for the protection of our environment, our planet, and used his voice to speak in support of the basic humanity of LGBTQ people. It is my hope that Pope Francis’s legacy will continue to help the Catholic Church lead in a healing and loving manner around the world."
Inside the Cathedral, a place of mourning for Pope Francis was created at the side altar, giving parishioners a space to leave flowers, light candles and pray for the Pope. The requiem bells at the Cathedral also rang for an entire hour Monday morning.
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