MANILA – Local churches on Saturday paid tribute to Pope Francis and mounted requiem Masses and live telecast for his burial rites in Rome.

Among the churches that organized a live telecast was Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao, which carried a livestream of the Vatican.

Rhe church held a prayer of the rosary for the late pontiff an hour before the live telecast.

Love, gratitude for Pope Francis continue to pour through words and art

Gloria Eneria was among those who prayed solemnly outside the church, crying over the death of the “People’s Pope.”

Eneria thanked Pope Francis for being a source of comfort and for not abandoning the poor.

“Mahal niya ang mahihirap. Kaya ako panatag ang kalooban na siya lalo na sa pagbisita pa lang niya sa pilipinas, malaking biyaya,” said the 89-year-old.

Asked about her prayers for the next leader of the Catholic Church, she said, “Sana makatulong siya sa mga mahihirap. Marapatin mo na isama kami lalo na sa mga trahedya.”

Sacred Heart Parish Shrine also held a live viewing for Pope Francis at 4 p.m., followed by a Holy Mass at 6 p.m.

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In Makati, a memorial Mass was also held for Pope Francis at the Sanctuario de San Antonio Parish Makati at 6 p.m.

Hundreds of thousands of mourners and world leaders packed St Peter's Square today for Pope Francis’ funeral.

Some waited overnight to get a seat in the vast square in front of St Peter's Basilica, with the Vatican reporting some 250,00 people attended, in an outpouring of support for the Argentine pontiff.