Paris bids farewell to the Pope
4/21/2025 3:12:00 PM
The lights of the Eiffel Tower will be turned off this evening in honor of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, according to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. She also announced that she would propose naming a site in the French capital after him.
In a statement, she praised "his commitment to a Church that reaches out to the most vulnerable," his determination to place "the environment at the heart of his spiritual and social concerns," and his advocacy for "welcoming refugees."
As part of the farewell ceremonies, the bells of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris rang 88 times starting at 11:00 am local time, symbolizing the years of Pope Francis's life.
The cathedral's media office explained that the bell ringing would conclude with an extended sequence involving all the bells of Notre-Dame. In addition, Masses will be held on Monday at noon and in the evening, along with a prayer vigil dedicated to the repose of his soul.
In a statement, she praised "his commitment to a Church that reaches out to the most vulnerable," his determination to place "the environment at the heart of his spiritual and social concerns," and his advocacy for "welcoming refugees."
As part of the farewell ceremonies, the bells of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris rang 88 times starting at 11:00 am local time, symbolizing the years of Pope Francis's life.
The cathedral's media office explained that the bell ringing would conclude with an extended sequence involving all the bells of Notre-Dame. In addition, Masses will be held on Monday at noon and in the evening, along with a prayer vigil dedicated to the repose of his soul.