Cardinal Pietro Parolin urged attendees at Pope Francis's funeral Mass to embrace the late pontiff's legacy of mercy, not just as a fleeting emotion. Parolin, celebrating Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday during the nine-day mourning period, highlighted Francis's emphasis on God's mercy as the core of his papacy. He emphasized the importance of carrying forward Francis's focus on forgiveness, dialogue, and healing the world through mercy. The Mass, coinciding with a Jubilee for Teenagers, underscored the joy of the resurrection amidst the sadness of Francis's passing. Parolin, considered a potential successor, stressed the need to continue Francis's pastoral and geopolitical agenda.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.