Archdiocese of Lahore Offers Solemn Requiem Mass for Late His Holiness Pope Francis
Lahore, April 24, 2025 — The Archdiocese of Lahore, under the guidance of His Grace Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, Apostolic Administrator of Lahore, celebrated a solemn Requiem Mass in loving memory of the late His Holiness Pope Francis. The Eucharistic celebration was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, drawing together a large congregation of clergy, religious, and faithful who came with deep reverence and love.
His Grace presided over the Mass, joined by Rev. Fr. Asif Sardar VG, Rev. Fr. Ejaz Bashir OFM Cap (Custos), Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Asi, and Rev. Fr. Robbie D’Lima as concelebrants. Leaders from various Christian denominations also graced the occasion, expressing their unity in faith and tribute.
In his homily, Archbishop Benny MarioTravas reflected on the personal and spiritual legacy of Pope Francis, who had appointed him first as Bishop of Multan and later as Archbishop of Karachi. He fondly recalled the cherished memories of the 2018 Ad Limina visit.
His Grace highlighted three enduring aspects of Pope Francis’ life and ministry:
1. A Life Rooted in Christ – “To be a Christian is to be with Christ,” he affirmed, echoing the Pope’s emphasis on personal encounter with Jesus as the core of Christian identity.
2. A Merciful Shepherd – Remembering the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, he recalled Pope Francis’ call for pastors to “smell like their sheep,” embodying compassion and closeness to the people.
3. A Heart for the Marginalised – Pope Francis consistently reached out to the peripheries—visiting prisons, the elderly, and those on the margins of society.
Tributes were also offered by Rev. Fr. Qaiser Feroz OFM Cap and Rt. Rev. Dr. Azad Marshall, Moderator Bishop of the Church of Pakistan, along with other Christian leaders. They remembered Pope Francis as a beacon of love, humility, peace, and mercy.
The Requiem Mass concluded with a vote of thanks by Rev. Fr. Asif Sardar VG, who expressed gratitude to all who joined in honoring the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
Regards: The Catholics: Lahore Focus
