208 bishops and cardinals died last year - Pope celebrates Mass

Pope Francis on Thursday remembered the bishops and cardinals who died last year. At the traditional Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, he remembered the total of 208 clergy from around the world. The relatively high number is attributed in part to the Corona pandemic. At last year's Mass, there were 169 deaths. The pope prayed for the deceased at the ceremony in front of the cathedra altar. "Some of them died as a result of Covid-19, in difficult situations that increased their suffering," the church leader said, asking for mercy for the dead.