France Gives Beautiful Tribute To Pope Francis

Catholics worldwide grieve the loss of Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at 88 from a stroke. The pontiff served as the head of the Catholic Church for 12 years. Until his funeral on April 26, Catholics will pray and pay tribute to a man known for his dedication to peace and justice. Among the grandest tributes to St. Francis occurred in Paris, France. Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, shared condolences on Instagram, translated into English by Town & Country.

Videos by InspireMore

“It is with deep sadness and deep emotion that I have just learned of the passing of Pope Francis,” Hidalgo wrote. “In these hours of mourning, I extend my sincere condolences to the Catholics of Paris, France, and around the world who mourn him today. May his universal message continue to inspire generations to come,” the mayor said.

Anne Hidalgo added, “To honor his memory, the Eiffel Tower will be turned off this evening. And I will propose that a site in Paris bear his name.” 

There are no details about where France will place a permanent monument to St. Francis, but fans welcomed the gesture.

One person wrote on Instagram, “It’s a great idea that a place in Paris is named after it. This is a nice way to pay tribute to this great man, believer or not! He has done so much for the poorest and weakest. He chose Easter Monday to leave us! What a pope and what a man! May his soul rest in peace.”

This person agreed, “Whatever our beliefs, Pope Francis was an exceptional man of immense kindness and concern for the poorest on earth, for social justice and world peace.”

“I was in Paris,” someone shared. “I heard the bells; I felt the participation of the city.

This story’s featured image can be found here.