Funeral Rites of Pope Francis to begin with 'Ascertainment of Death'

By emmanuel MALAGU

A Statement emanating from the Vatican City, says Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the Rite of the Ascertainment of Death of Pope Francis and placement of his Body in the Coffin on Monday evening.

The Rite according to the Statement, will take place in the Chapel of the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta at 8:00 PM (GMT +2).

The Press Office of the Holy See also indicated that those present will include the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, and Family Members of the late Pope Francis, along with Dr. Andrea Arcangeli and Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Director and Deputy Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene.

In another development, the Press Office has announced that the Canonisation Mass for Blessed Carlo Acutis has been temporarily suspended due to the death of Pope Francis.

The Eucharistic Celebration and Canonisation Rite had been scheduled for Sunday, April 27, on the Second Sunday of Easter, also celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday.

.Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London, to Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano.

From a young age, he displayed a profound love for God and the Church that inspired his Parents.

“Before Carlo’s birth, I was really caught up in the Culture of our Time,” his Mother says.

“I was a Prisoner of everything that is relative and limited.” But “Carlo showed me how to live in my Century while turning toward eternity.”

His family later moved to Milan, Italy, where Carlo’s passion for Computer Programming blossomed alongside his deepening Faith.

Acutis, known for his deep devotion to the Catholic Faith and his adept use of Technology to share Religious Content, was set to become the first Millennial Saint.

Pope Francis had officially recognised a second Miracle attributed to Acutis and approved his Canonisation.

Acutis, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 15 due to Leukemia, has been admired for his Work in creating a Website documenting Eucharistic Miracles Worldwide.

His beatification took place in October 2020, and the recent Recognition of a Second miracle – an essential step in the Process – marks the Final Phase towards Sainthood.

Acutis is celebrated not only for his piety but also for his ability to integrate his Faith with Modern Yechnology, resonating deeply with Young Catholics around the Globe.

His Life was characterised by a remarkable integration of Faith and Reason.

In spite of his Young Age, he exhibited an exceptional Intellect and a keen interest in understanding the Mysteries of Technology and Catholicism.

He spent many hours honing his Skills as a Computer Programmer while remaining committed to Prayer and Devotion.

At the Age of Seven, Acutis began participating in Daily Mass and developed a deep love for the Eucharist.

“My secret is to contact Jesus every day,” he said.

He also prayed the Rosary often, demonstrating his profound devotion to Jesus’ Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary: “The Virgin Mary is the only Woman in my life.”

Credit Vatican Press Office/Reuters/NAN excluding Headline