Pope Francis’ funeral drew an extraordinary gathering of world leaders, including at least 11 reigning monarchs, alongside tens of thousands of mourners at the Vatican. The ceremony began under the golden light of Rome and featured a two-hour service that embraced simplicity, in line with the late pope’s wishes. His coffin was interred at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, outside the Vatican walls—an unprecedented choice for a pontiff in over a century.
The event, attended by around 400,000 people, including 50,000 in St. Peter’s Square, reflected the global reach of the Roman Catholic Church, which has approximately 1.4 billion followers. Latin hymns and prayers in several languages underscored this diversity. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a heartfelt homily that celebrated Pope Francis as a leader who sought to “build bridges, not walls” and cared deeply for the marginalized.
The elaborate yet respectful tribute featured numerous mourners lining up to pay their respects at the coffin, which rested prominently at the Papal Altar. The burial procession was marked by the ringing of St. Peter’s bells, as vast crowds lined the streets to witness the event. Many shared personal reflections on the pope’s warmth, humility, and dedication to social justice, underscoring his legacy in advocating for migrants, the environment, and peace in conflict zones.
Francis had insisted on a modest burial site that reflected his humble spirit, and his tombstone bears only his name, “Franciscus,” in Latin. His funeral also saw significant political interactions, such as a meeting between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighting the pope’s role in fostering dialogue among the powerful and the marginalized. In death, as in life, Pope Francis united diverse voices, reminding attendees of his commitment to inclusivity and compassion.
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