Mourners in Hong Kong have gathered at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to commemorate Pope Francis, a day after the Vatican announced his death, with some describing him as a “breath of fresh air” and noting his empathy towards those who felt “unseen”.
At around 1pm on Tuesday, the Post observed about a dozen people at the cathedral in Central, with most seated in silence or prayer, while others signed a condolence book near the altar. Several were also seen weeping quietly.
The mourning hall will be open from 7am to 7pm in the coming days to allow the public to pay their respects to the late pontiff.
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.”
