Mass held in Baku for repose of Pope Francis' soul

On April 24, a Holy Mass was held in Baku for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.

The Apostolic Prefect of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan, Bishop Vladimir Fekete, led the service at the main Catholic church in Baku, the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Bishop Fekete addressed the congregation with a sermon about the life and service of the late pontiff. He described Pope Francis as an exemplary religious leader, highlighting his visit to Azerbaijan and his support for the Catholic Church in the country.

It is worth noting that Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, following a stroke and subsequent "irreversible cardiovascular collapse."

Born in Argentina, Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio) ascended to the papacy in 2013. Over the course of his papacy, he made more than 30 apostolic trips worldwide, engaging with ordinary people and insisting that these encounters be conducted without excessive pomp or special security measures.

In a message from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, His Eminence Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the loss of Pope Francis was described as the passing of a brilliant religious figure, a person of exceptional moral character whose life was dedicated to selfless service for the betterment of humanity.

By Aghakazim Guliyev