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Wynna Wong

Oscar Liu

Mourners in Hong Kong have gathered at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to commemorate Pope Francis a day after his death, with some describing him as a “breath of fresh air” and noting his empathy towards those who felt “unseen”.
The Post observed about a dozen people at the cathedral in Central at around 1pm on Tuesday, with most seated in silence or prayer, while others signed a condolence book near the altar. Several were also seen weeping quietly.
Members of the public will be able to visit and pay their respects between 7am and 7pm every day until Saturday. The condolence service on the final day will end at 4pm.
The Catholic diocese of Hong Kong also told its 400,000 worshippers that the cathedral would host a requiem mass on Monday next week at 8pm.
A message in the cathedral’s condolence book was signed “Stephen Chow” and read: “I am dearly missing you”. Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan is the city’s top Catholic priest.
The message asked the pope to “please pray for the world and the church” in heaven.
The Vatican said that Francis’ funeral would be held on Saturday at 10am local time (4pm Hong Kong time). He died on Monday at age 88.


One mourner, who wished to be identified only by his surname, Kan, described the pope’s death as “another light that went out in a world that seems a little dark right now”.
“I grew up in a Catholic family, but didn’t always feel seen. The pope was a little more progressive than some of those before him, and openly expressed acceptance towards the LGBTQ community; it felt like a breath of fresh air,” the 30-year-old said.
“Things are a bit strange with the world right now. A lot of leaders are not spreading love, and we have lost one of the few who tried.”
Gloria Poon, a housewife in her fifties, said she was also saddened by the death.
“I think we were all prepared for this given his health issues over the past few months – he looked different,” she said.
“But it is like losing a friend, even though I never met him.”
Hongkongers began mourning on Monday night, shortly after news of his death was made public.

“This pope actually did quite a bit of good. Just the fact that he demanded internal reforms within the Vatican to increase financial transparency shows how much effort he put into improving the Church’s credibility,” said Yuki Cheung Sin-yee, 28, who works in a book store.
“I wish for him to rest in peace and I hope his successor will carry on with his good work.”
Stephanie Cheng, 32, a university researcher, said Francis’ papacy had been a true blessing as he always voiced concerns for global issues such as poverty, environmental protection and immigration.
“I’ll always remember his smile and how he told us to look out for people who are struggling. I hope he’s resting in peace with God now.”
Social media users also paid tribute to the first Latin American pope.
“He reminded us that the Church is a field hospital, a place of healing and mercy,” one user wrote. “I pray that his legacy of love and service continues to inspire us all. May he find eternal rest in God’s loving embrace.”
Vatican health officials said Francis had suffered a stroke and fell into a coma before experiencing irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
The Catholic leader had been suffering from ill health for the past several months, including life-threatening pneumonia, with extended stays in hospital.


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Hongkongers gather at Cathedral of Immaculate Conception to mourn Pope Francis

Clergy and members of the public mourn the death of Pope Francis at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Photo: Elson Li

Worshippers gather at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Central on Tuesday. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong’s Catholic Church recalls ‘inspirational leader’ Pope Francis

Worshippers gather at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Hong Kong to remember Pope Francis. Photo: Jelly Tse

Former chief executive Donald Tsang has said he remembers Francis as a pontiff “full of compassion, kindness, humility, and courage”. Photo: Jelly Tse

Bishop Stephen Chow urges Hongkongers to ‘make a difference’ amid trade turmoil

Hong Kong’s top Catholic priest Stephen Chow has urged people to unite and have faith. Photo: Jelly Tse

US President Donald Trump has announced that the “de minimis” trade exemption for goods from mainland China and Hong Kong will cease on May 2. Photo: AFP

News

Hong Kong

Society

Public can visit between 7am and 7pm in coming days to pay respects to late pontiff


Public can visit between 7am and 7pm in coming days to pay respects to late pontiff.


Pope Francis

Religion