Worshippers claim they saw 'crying' statue hours before Pope's death

Catholic worshippers have claimed to witness a miracle just days before the death of Pope Francis I was announced.

The worshippers claim to have seen a statue of the Virgin Mary apparently weeping during Easter worship. They say that saw the 'crying' statue at a Good Friday service, during Holy Week in the town of Aguas Claras, in Colombia. During the traditional Sermon of the Seven Words, attendees at St John Eudes Parish say they witnessed what many have reportedly called a miracle. The "Sermon of the Seven Words" refers to the seven sayings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, which he reportedly said during his crucifixion on Good Friday.

The video appears to show a statue of the Virgin Mary with what those who were there claim were tears running down her cheeks. The alleged phenomenon was captured in video footage that quickly spread all over social media.

Users began to speculate as to the meaning of the footage, with one saying: "It's a sign that God doesn't like human evil, adn that's why our mother cries in silence." Another said: "It's a miracle, how beautiful."

"She's really crying," commented a third. While a fourth wrote: "The Virgin of Sorrows feels the pain, that's why she cries." The Diocese in the nearby town of Ocana has so far not issued an official statement about the alleged miracle.

The incident is said to have taken place just days before the Pope's death was confirmed at 7.30am on Easter Monday. The Vatican confirmed the Argentine pontiff died following his treatment for bronchitis at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

The Pontiff was unable to deliver Easter Sunday prayers at the Vatican's St. Peter's Square but during a brief appearance he blessed people in St Peter’s Square, and said: “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter”. His last public words were made "Urbi et Orbi" - "to the city and to the world".

He read just one line of the long address, speaking to followers in a breathless voice. The rest of his speech was later published in the official Easter Sunday message.

The message, which celebrated the Easter story saw him remind people that: "From the empty tomb in Jerusalem, we hear unexpected good news: Jesus, who was crucified, 'is not here, he has risen'. Jesus is not in the tomb, he is alive! Love has triumphed over hatred, light over darkness and truth over falsehood."

He also wished that "the risen Christ grant Ukraine, devastated by war, his Easter gift of peace, and encourage all parties involved to pursue efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace". He also remembered those in Myanmar devastated by the recent earthquake.

It is expected that Pope Francis' funeral will take place in St Peter’s Square. His body will lie at St Peter’s Basilica to allow dignitaries and some of the faithful to pay their final respects. In a signature break with papal tradition, Pope Francis previously disclosed plans to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, signifying his devotion to the Virgin Mary – as opposed to the Vatican.

He became the first pope in history to take on the papal name Francis, after St Francis of Assisi, who dedicated his life to the poor, and the new pope made his intentions clear from the get-go. On election night, the newly elected pontiff rode the bus back to his hotel with the cardinals, as opposed to being driven in the papal car. The following morning, he insisted on paying the hotel bill.

This continued throughout his papacy as he cooked his own meals, and lived in the Vatican hotel instead of the Apostolic Palace. Pope Francis also wore his old orthotic shoes, instead of the red loafers of the papacy, and set an example to the clerical classes by using compact cars.

Pope Francis was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church, as well as the first non-European for more than 1,200 years. His election as the 266th pope surprised analysts, who may have been expecting a younger man than the 76-year-old.

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