Casket of Pope Francis processing through the Vatican / Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com
CV NEWS FEED // Several “transgender” individuals will be among a group of the poor and marginalized who will be the last to pay final respects to Pope Francis after his funeral, Vatican News reported April 25.
These mourners will stand on the steps of St. Mary Major Basilica with white roses. The group will also include prisoners, homeless people, and immigrants.
Bishop Benoni Ambarus, secretary of the Commission for Migrations of the Italian Episcopal Conference and delegate for charitable initiatives, and Bishop Diego Ravelli, the master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, made the decision to implement this final greeting on the steps of St. Mary Major, Vatican News reported.
“I find this a very moving choice, because Pope Francis is being received by the Mother he loved so much (Salus Populi Romani) and by his favourite children, who will surround him on this final journey,” Bishop Ambarus said. “I think it’s something truly beautiful.”
He added that the group includes “a small group of transgender individuals I know, who live with a community of nuns and whom we support.”
The group has not yet been finalized; local prisoners must receive authorization to attend.
