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Time of India

Velankanni mourns Pope Francis; enters nine days of mourning

Trichy: Churches in Velankanni and the delta region entered a state of mourning after Pope Francis passed away on Monday. The church bells were rung 88 times across the churches to pay tributes to the leader of Catholic denomination. Pope Francis passed away at Casa Santa Marta Residence in Vatican City at the age of 88. "Our churches will observe nine days of mourning (Novendiale) for the Holy Father. We will commemorate him through prayers and masses. There will not be any events and festivals at the churches during the time," said S Arputharaj, the parish priest of Velankanni. Catholics gathered in numbers in the churches in Velankanni and other places to pray for the repose of the Pope. Special masses were conducted in the evenings. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One Teaspoon a Night Melts Fat Like Never Before – Your Clothes Will Fit Again! Blog - Lose Weight Fast Learn More Undo In Thanjavur diocese, the bell rang at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Thanjavur and at the Shrine Basilica of Lady of Good Health in Velankanni 88 times marking the age of Pope Francis. In the Kumbakonam diocese, the bell rang at St Mary's Cathedral. Bishops L Sagayaraj of Thanjavur diocese and A Jeevanantham of Kumbakonam diocese condoled the pontiff. Special prayers were conducted at the cathedrals (head churches). Church officials added that they would skip mentioning the name of Pope Francis during the eucharistic prayer in the holy masses until the new pontiff is elected. The church administrations erected portraits of Pope Francis and condolence messages at churches, bishop houses and public places. Devotees and parishioners thronged at the churches to pay tributes to the pontiff.