A Solemn Mass for the repose of the soul of the late Pope Francis took place on 23 April in the Archcathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Warsaw, attended by over a thousand persons, including representatives of the Polish Government, the Polish Sejm and members of the Diplomatic Corps. Ahead of the Mass, the basilica’s bells tolled 88 times to mark each year of Pope Francis’ life.

The Mass was presided over by H.E. Archbishop Filipazzi, Apostolic Nuncio to Poland. Concelebrants included H.Em. Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz and the Metropolitan of Warsaw, H.E. Archbishop Adrian Galbas SAC. Ambassador and Mrs Lorijn were accompanied by several members of the Polish Association of the Order of Malta.

The following day, at the Apostolic Nunciature in Warsaw, Ambassador Lorijn signed the book of condolences, in which he wrote: “Pope Francis’ compassion, humility, and unwavering faith, and his tireless devotion to the poor and most vulnerable will remain a guiding light for our Order and for future generations. We join the Apostolic Nunciature in Warsaw, the Holy See and all the faithful in prayer and gratitude for his Pontificate and his exemplary service to the Church and to humanity.”