Four lines from the Pope's funeral service will make history
When world leaders gather for the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, they will find out how to do diplomacy the papal way – giving a nod to different countries by way of prayers.
And amid all the languages used to remember the late pontiff, there will be one never before heard at a papal funeral: Chinese.
The order of service, which has been released by the Vatican, is 87 pages long, which indicates the Mass could last two hours or more.
Four lines from the Prayer of the Faithful will make history. 'For us gathered here, that having celebrated the sacred mysteries, we may one day be called by Christ to enter his glorious kingdom.'
These words, which will be read aloud in Mandarin just after the homily, reflect the late Pope's ambitions regarding China, which were contentious among Catholics.
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While US President Donald Trump, who will attend the funeral in St Peter's Square, continues his battle with China over tariffs, the Vatican is smoothing its relationship with Beijing.
As a member of the Jesuit Order, Francis seemed driven to follow in the footsteps of its missionaries to pre-Communist China, and wanted to improve relations with Beijing.
But he drew sharp criticism from those who argued his overtures did nothing to help Catholics and other Christians practise their faith in the communist state.
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