A quiet Good Friday service in a small Colombian town has turned into a worldwide spiritual phenomenon after a statue of the Virgin Mary was seen ‘weeping’ just hours before the de*th of Pope Francis was announced.
The event, captured on video and shared widely across social media, unfolded during a Holy Week ceremony at St John Eudes Parish in Aguas Claras, located in the department of Norte de Santander, Colombia.
Worshippers had gathered for the Sermon of the Seven Words, a solemn reenactment of the seven final sayings of Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.
But as prayers filled the church, eyes were drawn to a statue of the Virgin of Sorrows and what many believe were tears streaming down her face.
The video quickly sparked viral reactions, with many calling the sight a divine miracle. One commenter wrote, “She’s really crying.” Another added, “It’s a sign that God doesn’t like human evil, and that’s why our mother cries in silence.”
For many faithful, the moment struck a deep emotional chord. “The Virgin of Sorrows feels the pain, that’s why she cries,” said one viewer, echoing a belief shared across countless posts and comments online.
While the local Diocese of Ocana has not yet issued a formal statement on the event, the clip continues to be widely circulated, igniting debate among believers, skeptics, and theologians alike. Whether supernatural or not, the timing of the alleged miracle has added to its gravity.
That’s because just two days later, on Easter Monday at 7:30 a.m., the Vatican confirmed the de*th of Pope Francis at the age of 88.
The Argentine pontiff had been battling health complications including pneumonia and bronchitis but had rallied enough to make a brief appearance on Easter Sunday to deliver his traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing.
Visibly frail, he offered only a single line from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, saying: “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.” His full message was later released by the Vatican.
The Pope’s passing came as a shock, not just because of the timing, but also due to the symbolic connection many are drawing between his final hours and the emotional ‘tears’ of the Virgin Mary seen days earlier.
Adding to this spiritual poignancy is Pope Francis’ known devotion to the Virgin Mary. He famously requested to be buried not at the traditional papal tombs, but instead at Santa Maria Maggiore, a basilica dedicated to her. The choice reflected his lifelong veneration and connection to Marian symbolism.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis broke many traditions. He lived modestly, drove compact cars, and wore simple orthotic shoes instead of the customary red papal loafers. He was also the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, and the first non European leader of the Catholic Church in more than 1,200 years.
Now, as tributes pour in and preparations for his funeral are underway, many are left to ponder: Was the Virgin Mary truly mourning the death of a Pope who reshaped the modern Church?
Or was this a coincidence that happened to touch hearts at exactly the right moment?
Regardless of belief, the image of a crying statue paired with the de*th of one of the most beloved popes in modern history has left a lasting impression on millions around the globe.
Feature Image Credit: (Picture: Newsflash/NX)
