The Secretary General of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB), Dom Ricardo Hoepers, said on Monday (21) that Pope Francis had joy to talk about Brazil.
At a press conference, the entity lamented the death of the pontiff, which occurred this morning at the age of 88.
From left to right: Nunciature Counselor, Monsignor Gabriele Pesce, Apostolic Nuncio in Brazil, Dom Giambatistta Diquattro, Auxiliary Bishop of Brasilia, CNBB Secretary-General, Dom Ricardo Hoepers, and CNBB Deputy General Undersecretary, Father Leandro Megeto. Photo: Fabio Pozzebom/Agência Brasil
According to the secretary, Francisco was paying close attention to Brazil and looked at the country with great expectation during his pontificate.
“In fact, the last visit that the CNBB presidency made a month ago a month ago, we realize, even he already convailed, his joy to speak of Brazil. The disposition, humor, deeply touches us this affection,” he said.
Dom Ricardo also said that Pope Francis acted as a bridge builder between the gospel and the “pains of the world.”
“A Pope who walked with the people heard before speaking and served to be served,” he said.
The secretary also said the Pope was a “blessing for our time” and was marked by the simple style.
“In his gesture, washing his feet of prisoners, welcoming migrants, hugging sick, the world saw the good shepherd’s face,” he added.
Earlier, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis was the victim of a stroke, followed by irreversible cardiovascular coma and collapse.
The details of the burial rite and the Vatican’s next steps regarding papal succession have not yet been disclosed.
