The Eiffel Tower will remain unlit tonight in tribute to Pope Francis, following the announcement of his passing. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo made the announcement earlier today, describing the gesture as a mark of respect for “a man of peace and compassion.”
In an official statement, Hidalgo praised the late Pontiff for his commitment to “a Church that reaches out to the most vulnerable,” and highlighted his efforts to place “ecology at the center of spiritual and social concerns.” She also noted his repeated calls for “welcoming refugees,” emphasizing the Pope’s consistent advocacy for human dignity and solidarity.
The Mayor also revealed her intention to propose naming a location in the French capital after Pope Francis, to permanently honor his legacy and the values he championed during his papacy.
Tonight’s darkened Eiffel Tower stands as a symbolic farewell from the city of Paris to a spiritual leader who touched lives far beyond the walls of the Vatican, remembered for his humility, compassion, and unwavering defense of the marginalized.
Notre-Dame Bells Toll 88 Times in Memory of Pope Francis
In a moving tribute to the late Pope Francis, the bells of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris rang 88 times at 11:00 a.m., marking each year of the Pontiff’s life. The Notre-Dame service explained, “88 chimes for 88 years of life… followed by a resounding peal from all the cathedral’s bells.” The tribute continued with a midday and afternoon Mass, along with an evening prayer service in honor of the Pope.
The French Bishops’ Conference praised Pope Francis as a spiritual leader who “called humanity to believe in fraternity, grounded in interreligious dialogue and a commitment to prioritizing the needs of the poor.”
Cardinal Éric de Moulins-Beaufort, president of the French Episcopal Conference, emphasized the Pope’s lasting influence on the Church’s pastoral mission, noting that “Pope Francis left a profound mark on pastoral practice through his simple and approachable ways.”
In addressing the global ecological crisis, Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, consistently urged the world to care for “our common home.” His message of environmental stewardship became a defining feature of his papacy.
Cardinal de Moulins-Beaufort also recalled the Pope’s heartfelt plea to France and other European nations not to “lose their souls by shutting their doors to migrants,” a reminder of the Pope’s enduring advocacy for compassion, inclusion, and human dignity.
The memorial events in Paris reflect the deep respect and admiration Pope Francis inspired across religious and national boundaries, particularly in France, where his calls for social justice, ecological awareness, and open-hearted solidarity with the vulnerable continue to resonate.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Thanos Chrysanthopoulos
