Former Chief Executive Donald Tsang was one of those who attended the requiem mass held in the Central cathedral.
Speaking at the ceremony, Cardinal John Tong said Francis is remembered as a symbol of hope for people, bringing joy with his smile and delivering good news to the poor.
“His profound compassion for the vulnerable, coupled with his unwavering commitment to peace and love, make him a shining example for all Christians,” Tong said.
The cardinal also highlighted the pope’s “profound care and affection for the Church in China”, despite never visiting the country.
Tong said Francis showed deep care for the world, particularly for the poor and marginalised, through his writings on issues such as migration, ecology, and peace.
Even in his later years, Francis continued to visit different places to promote dialogue despite mobility difficulties, Tong added.
Francis was laid to rest on Saturday in a funeral and burial ceremony that drew 400,000 people to St Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
Catholic cardinals will meet on May 7 to start voting for a new pope, the Vatican announced on Monday.
So-called Princes of the Church under the age of 80 will meet in the Sistine Chapel to choose a new religious leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. (Additional reporting by AFP)
