A solemn prayer vigil to remember and honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis will be held at the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod Cit 6 p.m. on Friday, April 25.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos where set to leave Manila Thursday evening to attend the funeral of the Pope at the Vatican, according to Malacañang.
The pontiff died at age 88 due to a stroke and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse on Monday.
Marcos has declared a period of national mourning in the entire country, ordering Philippine flags to be flown at half-mast in all government buildings and installations until the pontiff’s burial.
Huge crowds continued to queue outside Saint Peter’s Basilica on Thursday to pay homage to Pope Francis as his body lies in state for the second day.
According to Vatican media, approximately 48,600 people visited the basilica between its public opening at 11 a.m. Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. Thursday.
The basilica, originally scheduled to close at midnight, remained open until 5:30 a.m. due to the overwhelming turnout.
About 13,000 mourners passed through during the overnight hours.
The late pontiff’s body rests in an open coffin in front of the Altar of the Confession, dressed in a red robe and white mitre, with a rosary in his hands.
In keeping with his wishes, he lies on a carpeted platform rather than a traditional catafalque.
Francis’ remains will be laid to rest in Rome’s Saint Mary Major Basilica on Saturday after his funeral.
Breaking with papal tradition, Francis requested burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he frequently prayed before and after apostolic journeys.
His will specifies a simple tomb between the Pauline and Sforza Chapels, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus. *PNA/ANSA