Tagle leads Rosary for Pope Francis

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle led the fourth recitation of the Rosary in memory of Pope Francis at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Italy, on Thursday evening, 24 April (Vatican time).

The prayer took place at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where Pope Francis will be brought for burial following the funeral on Saturday, 26 April.

The 67-year-old Tagle, who is the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, has been reported as one of the "papabiles," or contenders, to be the leader of the 1.4 billion Catholics in the world.

In his introductory words before leading the Rosary, Cardinal Tagle recalled the words in today's Gospel of the Risen Jesus, when He appears among His disciples still in shock after the events of His Passion: "Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts?"

Jesus encouraged them and helped open their hearts by explaining the Scriptures "to free them from the fear of death," Tagle explained.

"These words of the Risen Christ are addressed to each of us to give hope and certainty to our lives," he said, since the "Master and Lord came to give us life, a life that will have no end."

In conclusion, Tagle encouraged the faithful that with this spirit we "pray for our beloved Holy Father Francis, entrusting him to the tender hands of Mary Most Holy, Salus Populi Romani," and may Mary, "Gate of Heaven, pray for us."

After Pope Francis' burial on Saturday, 26 April, cardinals below the age of 80 will gather for the conclave and vote for the next Catholic Church leader.

For the first time in Church history, three Filipino cardinals—Tagle, Jose F. Advincula, and Pablo Virgilio David—will join the conclave as cardinal-electors.

Pope Francis, 88, died of a stroke and heart failure on Easter Monday, 21 April, at his residence at Casa Santa Marta at the Vatican. In accordance with his wishes, he is expected to be buried at the ancient Basilica of St. Mary Major, which lies outside the Vatican's walls.