Cardinal Porras, from Venezuela, says goodbye to Pope Francis

Cardinal Baltazar Porras, Archbishop Emeritus of Caracas (Venezuela), prayed in front of Pope Francis’s coffinsaying goodbye to his “dear friend.” Since Wednesday, the body of the Holy Father lies exposed in the Basilica of San Pedro, where almost 50,000 people have paid tribute.

Among them, Cardinal Porras who, visibly seized by emotion, said that the life of Pope Francis “was transit by the hope of building a better world.” The purple said that “that placid face” of the Holy Father in his coffin is a sign of “that good humor and that joy that always accompanied him.”

“These rivers of people who are passing in front of their grave are an expression of the many prayers that in every corner of the planet are being done, not only by Catholics, but by men and women of good will who feel that they have torn from the heart of someone we had very inside,” said the Venezuelan cardinal.

In addition, he raised a prayer for all the cardinals of the Catholic Church, so that the Holy Spirit enlighten them and can ensure that “the process initiated by Pope Francis continues for the good of all humanity.”

Through your Account in xArchbishop Emeritus said that God “has been merciful” with all those who – as he – had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis, “from Buenos Aires to being the bishop of Rome”, because this allowed him to “share significant moments” thanks to the “humility and simplicity” of the pontiff.

“Your requests have been fulfilled until this last moment. A great legacy remains in us, with the commitment to follow the work you have entrusted to us. That our Lord and the Blessed Virgin receive you in eternal life, good and faithful servant,” wrote Cardinal Porras