‘Historic moment': Boston Archbishop leads mass ahead of flight to Rome for Pope Francis' funeral
Boston Archbishop Richard Henning led a mass paying tribute to the late Pope Francis ahead of his flight to Rome for Saturday's funeral.
The mass at St. Theresa's Parish in West Roxbury on Wednesday was the first of three masses announced by the Boston Archdiocese in the wake of the Argentinian pontiff's death.
Clergy and community members said they feel connected to the 88-year-old and what he stood for.
Francis is being remembered for championing the causes of the less fortunate and adopting a more progressive tone for Catholics around the world.
'There's been a real beauty to the compassion and the solidarity that he has lived and that he has proclaimed and the way he gives that voice to the voiceless,' said Archbishop Henning.
Henning said he's traveling to Rome partly because he wants to bring the people of Boston with him.
'I do know this is a historic moment. This holy father has certainly had an enormous effect on the church and the world,' said Henning.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to pass through St. Peter's Basilica in the coming days to pay their final respects.
The Vatican is considering extending the viewing hours even longer due to the high turnout.
'He wasn't looking for a lot of credit. He was a really humble priest. We're gunna miss him,' said Boston resident Nancy Geourntas.
The second mass held by the Boston Archdiocese is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Parish in Lowell.
The third will begin at 7:00 p.m. Friday at St. James Church in Stoughton.
The funeral for Pope Francis has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square.
It will be attended by world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Fundraiser in Caledonia to support Ukraine on Saturday
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — While the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia remains thousands of miles away, it has had a seismic impact on people across the world — including some in West Michigan. Oleksandra Soltinska, Olena Biielova and Merharyta Atrepiev have watched Ukraine, their home country, from afar through the duration of the war. It has taken its toll on all of them. 'It's really hard for any Ukrainians,' Biielova said.'It doesn't matter where you live, it's still your home country. Ukrainians in West Michigan worry about diplomatic tensions 'Everyday, every morning, you check the news,' she continued. 'You worry if your relative's alive, if your friend's still there. It's just been an endless three and a half years.' They are organizing an event from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at Caledonia Lakeside Park with traditional Ukrainian food, music and dancing. Donations collected at the event will go toward medical supplies for Ukraine. 'We're going to help a lot for kids who lost their parents, for orphanage, and also for soldiers who's recovering here in the United States and trying to get prosthetics to keep their life somehow normal still,' Biielova said. Worried about shifting US policy, Ukraine supporters rally in Grand Rapids The upcoming event is one of several that have been put together for Ukrainians around West Michigan. Last year, Soltinska helped organize an event to raise money for six soldiers who need rehabilitation and prosthetics. 'We're just like one little family here, trying to help and support whoever needs that support over there,' Biielova said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Fairfield, Dartmouth footbridges over Storrow Drive to close briefly to pedestrians for work detail
The Fairfield and Dartmouth footbridges over Storrow Drive will be temporarily closed to pedestrians on Thursday for safety line striping work, state officials said. Storrow Drive will remain open for the duration of work, and a police detail will be on site, Department of Conservation and Recreation officials said Wednesday. Fairfield Footbridge will be closed from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Dartmouth Footbridge will be closed from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Coast Guard searching for missing fishing vessel off Cape Cod
The Coast Guard is searching for a missing fishing vessel last seen off Cape Cod. The F/V Seahorse, a white 30-foot fishing vessel, is two days overdue and was last known to be fishing near the Target Ship Wreck near Eastham. The Coast Guard says a cell phone ping last placed the ship two miles offshore of Chatham. The vessel is captained by Shawn Arsenault. Anyone with information regarding the vessel is asked the Southeastern New England command center at (866) 819-9128. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
