VATICAN LOOP: Pope Francis said Mary told him where to be buried

FRIDAY, APRIL 25 - EXCLUSIVE VATICAN COVERAGE POPE FRANCIS SAID MARY GUIDED HIM TO CHOOSE HIS TOMB  The cardinal stewarding Saint Mary Major Basilica, where Pope Francis will be buried, revealed this week that the pontiff initially intended to be buried in St. Peter's Basilica, but changed his mind in 2022 due to advice he said he received from the Blessed Virgin Mary. "Mary told me, 'Prepare your tomb.'" READ CARDINALS DECIDE DETAILS OF FUNERAL RITES  The fourth General Congregation of the College of Cardinals was held this morning. During the meeting, Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations Archbishop Diego Ravelli explained Pope Francis' funeral rites. Here are the details.  READ CARDINAL ROGER MAHONEY TO PARTICIPATE IN BURIAL  Cardinal Roger Michael Mahony, who was involved in a sex abuse cover-up in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, was chosen to participate in the sealing of Pope Francis' coffin and concelebrate the funeral Mass.  READ AUTHORITIES ALLOW CARDINAL ZEN TO ATTEND FUNERAL Cardinal Joseph Zen, a vocal critic of both Chinese government repression and the Vatican's controversial dealings with Beijing, has been granted permission to leave Hong Kong and travel to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. READ A FINAL ACT OF CHARITY BY POPE FRANCIS  One of the final acts of Pope Francis is now coming to light: a personal donation of 200,000 euros (about $227,000 USD) to support a youth rehabilitation project inside a Roman prison. READ THE BEST SOURCE FOR EXCLUSIVE VATICAN COVERAGE  We're working around the clock to get you the best exlusive Vatican coverage throughout this historic time. Help make sure everyone gets the most out of our on-the-ground reporting and analysis by forwarding this edition of the LOOP to friends or inviting them to sign up at CatholicVote.org/GetLOOP. STAY IN THE LOOP FUNERAL TO FEATURE 'TRANSGENDER' MOURNERS  Several "transgender" individuals will be among a group of the poor and marginalized who will be the last to pay final respects to Pope Francis after his funeral. These mourners will stand on the steps of St. Mary Major Basilica with white roses. The group will also include prisoners, homeless people, and immigrants. READ US BISHOPS RELEASE COLLECTION OF CONDOLENCES  Following the death of Pope Francis, bishops and Catholic leaders across the United States have issued a wave of heartfelt tributes, which the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has gathered into a growing online collection. READ JUBILEE  Pope Francis's tomb is located near one of the Holy Doors opened during a Jubilee Year — giving pilgrims a chance for plenary indulgences. WATCH & SHARE Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here. CATHOLICVOTE  |  PO Box 3310  |  Carmel, IN 46082  |  (317) 669-6127