Condolence book signing for Pope Francis opens April 29

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Apostolic Nunciature in Manila will open condolence books for public signing on April 29 following the passing of Pope Francis.

In an official statement, the Vatican’s diplomatic office in the Philippines invited the public to pay their respects and share personal messages or memories of the late pontiff.

The condolence books will be available for signing from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pope Francis passed away April 21 at the age of 88 at his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

In his memory, churches across the Philippines have held Masses and offered prayers for the beloved pope.

On Saturday, a funeral mass for the pope will be held at St. Peter’s Square at 10 a.m. (4 p.m., PH time), to be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.

After the liturgy, the late pope’s body will be brought to St. Peter’s Basilica and then to his final resting place at Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Catholic Church, was elected in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI due to health reasons.

He visited the Philippines in January 2015 for a pastoral trip that drew millions of faithful to events in Manila and Tacloban, which was devasted by Super Typhoon Yolanda two years earlier.