The bells of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris rang 88 times at 11:00 on Monday morning in tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Spain has also declared three days of mourning.
According to the Notre-Dame Cathedral press service, the "88 chimes for 88 years of life" were followed by a grand tolling of all the bells. A mass is scheduled for noon, another at 18:00, and a large vigil prayer at 19:00 in honour of the pontiff. A large portrait of the Pope has been installed inside the cathedral.
Additionally, the Eiffel Tower will be switched off on Monday evening to pay homage to Pope Francis, announced the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo. She also suggested that a location in Paris should be named after him.
The Socialist Mayor praised Pope Francis' "commitment to a Church that reaches out to the most vulnerable" in a statement, highlighting his dedication to placing "ecology at the heart of spiritual and social concerns" and his advocacy for "welcoming refugees."
Three days of mourning
Spain has declared three days of official mourning following the death of Pope Francis, Félix Bolaños, the Minister of Justice, who is also in charge of the Presidency and relations with Parliament, announced on Monday.
"We are deeply saddened by the death of a good man and a great Pope," he said in a solemn statement, stressing that Francis' pontificate had "marked a renewal and reformist impetus for the Catholic Church that will leave a mark on history."
Bolaños paid tribute to the memory of a "pope who stood out for his fight against inequality and injustice, for his fight against climate change and for his concern for all those on the periphery."
"This is why the Spanish Government has always felt close to his mission and values, in particular his defence of peace, always betting on dialogue and diplomatic solutions rather than conflict," he continued.
He also recalled his action "in defence of human rights and international law (...) for migrants and victims of trafficking," citing "the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Palestine and every armed conflict that devastates the planet."
"He knew perfectly well the reality of our country. He loved us and we loved him and what his reign meant," added the Spanish minister.
