World leaders and the Catholic community gathered to bid farewell to Pope Francis in a heartfelt funeral that emphasised his dedication to the underprivileged. The ceremony took place in St. Peter’s Square, attended by a multitude of dignitaries, including presidents and royalty, while a poignant counterpoint was marked by the presence of prisoners and migrants at his burial site across the city.
An estimated 250,000 people attended the funeral on a stunning spring day, which had originally been planned as a celebration for the youth. Amid the somber event, a sense of festivity emerged, with young attendees capturing selfies while the pope’s simple wooden coffin was carried from St. Peter’s Basilica.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a personal and vibrant eulogy, celebrating Francis as a pope of the people who communicated with heart and openness. He highlighted the late pontiff’s unwavering advocacy for migrants and the marginalised, mentioning notable moments such as his Mass at the US-Mexico border and his visit to a refugee camp in Lesbos.
Pope Francis had anticipated this day, having transformed the traditional papal funeral rites to reflect his vision of the papacy, focusing on humility and service over power. His mission, articulated shortly after his election in 2013, underscored a commitment to creating “a poor church for the poor,” echoed by his choice of name, venerating St. Francis of Assisi.
Despite his outreach to the powerless, prominent figures, including US Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, attended in large numbers, alongside various global leaders. Notably, the Argentine president was given a special seat, recognising their shared nationality despite any personal tensions.
As the day progressed, the pope’s coffin was transported through the streets of Rome, accompanied by a vast security detail, while thousands lined the streets to pay their last respects. Large screens in surrounding areas broadcasted events for those unable to access the square directly.
Following the Mass, Pope Francis’s coffin was moved to St. Mary Major Basilica for burial, where it is said a dedicated reception that aligned with his concern for vulnerable communities awaited. He had expressed the importance of the poor’s special place in God’s heart.
Francis chosen resting place reflects his deep connection to the basilica and his Jesuit roots. Throughout his papacy, this site held significance for him, and it included an iconic image in which he found solace.
In closure, over the course of three days, hundreds of thousands queued to pay their respects as the Vatican extended hours to accommodate the influx of mourners. The unexpected numbers highlighted the deep love and emotional connection many held towards Pope Francis, fulfilling his request for prayers and embodying his spirit of outreach and compassion.
As the Vatican now gears up for the conclave to elect a new pope, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the church’s journey, with Francis’s legacy deeply embedded in the hearts and minds of many.