Church gathers in Rosary and Adoration, just as Pope encouraged (Photos)

[There are two photo galleries in this article.]

The cardinal-vicar for the Diocese of Rome led the local Church and the universal Church in a moment of Eucharistic Adoration for the Diocese of Rome, now without a bishop. The time of prayer was held April 24 in the pope's cathedral, St. John Lateran.

Cardinal Baldo Reina exposed the Eucharist and the time of prayer was accompanied by excerpts from the Pope's speeches and songs performed by the diocesan choir.

“In the silence of this evening,” began the cardinal, "let us raise our thanksgiving to the Lord for the great gift of Pope Francis’ life.”

At St. Mary Major, the faithful gathered around Our Lady and the tomb where Pope Francis' remains will rest. Filipino Cardinal Luis Tagle led the prayer.

The Holy Father visited this church more than 120 times in his pontificate, the last time just a few days before his death.