## A Farewell Marked by Humanity: World Bids Adieu to Pope Francis
World leaders and countless faithful gathered today to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a funeral service that underscored his lifelong dedication to serving “the most vulnerable among us” and reflected his deeply held beliefs as a pastor.
While presidents, princes, and dignitaries filled St. Peter’s Square for the mass, a poignant contrast was drawn as prisoners and migrants were welcomed at the basilica across town—the site of his final resting place. An estimated 250,000 people journeyed to Rome for the ceremony, which occurred on a bright spring day initially intended to celebrate a special Holy Year event for young people.
The atmosphere, despite its somber nature, held a surprising vibrancy. Mourners were observed taking selfies amidst hymns as Francis’ simple wooden coffin was carried from St. Peter’s Basilica – a testament to the pope’s approachable and relatable style.
A Homily Rooted in Compassion
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals, delivered a heartfelt and personal homily, praising Francis as “a pope of the people” – a pastor who connected with those on the margins through genuine warmth and spontaneity.
“He was a pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone,” Cardinal Re declared.
His words resonated deeply with the crowd as he recounted Pope Francis’ unwavering commitment to migrants, recalling moments like celebrating Mass at the US-Mexico border and traveling to a refugee camp in Lesbos, Greece, where he brought twelve refugees home with him.
“The guiding principle of his mission was the conviction that the Church is a sanctuary for all, its doors always open,” Re emphasized.
A Papacy Defined by Service
Pope Francis meticulously orchestrated his own farewell, revising and streamlining Vatican rites to highlight his role as a humble pastor rather than a figure of worldly power. This action mirrored his twelve-year project to fundamentally reshape the papacy, emphasizing the servant nature of priests and fostering “a church for the poor.”
This vision, articulated shortly after his election in 2013, explained his chosen papal name—honoring St. Francis of Assisi, “who had the heart of the poor of the world,” according to an official decree placed within his coffin.
Powerful Figures Gather Amid a Focus on the Marginalized
Despite his lifelong focus on the marginalized, Pope Francis’ funeral drew prominent figures from around the globe. US President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer were among those present alongside Prince William and other European royals representing more than 160 official delegations.
Argentine President Javier Milei held a position of prominence reflecting Francis’ nationality. A private meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy occurred on the sidelines of the funeral, captured in an image showing the two leaders engaged in conversation within St. Peter’s Basilica.
Final Journey & Lasting Legacy
Following the mass, Pope Francis’ coffin was transported from the Vatican to his final resting place in St. Mary Major Basilica. The facade of St. Peter’s glowed as the sun rose, and vast crowds surged into the square, with giant screens erected to accommodate those unable to get close.
The Mass and procession were broadcast globally, utilizing the popemobile Francis famously used during his 2015 visit to the Philippines. A significant security presence—including over 2500 police officers, 1500 soldiers, and naval support—ensured order.
Many mourners had initially planned to attend a postponed canonization ceremony for Carlo Acutis, allowing them to converge on Rome regardless. Scouts and youth church groups were particularly visible among the crowd.
“He was a very charismatic pope, very human, very kind, above all very human,” said Miguel Vaca, a pilgrim from Peru who had camped out near the piazza. “It is a very great emotion to say goodbye to him.”
Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 following complications from pneumonia.
What Lies Ahead
Preparations are now underway for the centuries-old process of electing a new pope, with a conclave likely to begin in early May. In the interim, a handful of cardinals—including Cardinal Re—are governing the Vatican and overseeing the secretive voting in the Sistine Chapel.
Pope Francis departed from tradition by choosing burial at St. Mary Major, near Rome’s central train station, where a simple tomb bearing only his name – “Franciscus” – awaits him. An estimated 300,000 people are expected to line the six-kilometer motorcade route leading to the basilica.
Forty special guests, coordinated by Caritas and Sant’Egidio, will receive Pope Francis’ coffin at St. Mary Major—a tribute to those groups he consistently championed: homeless individuals, migrants, prisoners, and transgender people.
“The poor have a privileged place in the heart of God,” the Vatican quoted Francis as saying, explaining his choice.
A Special Bond with St. Mary Major
Even before becoming pope, Francis held a deep affection for St. Mary Major, home to a Byzantine icon known as Salus Populi Romani (Health of the Roman People), to which he was devoted. He would pray before it before and after each international trip.
The basilica’s connection to the Jesuit order—where St. Ignatius Loyola celebrated his first Mass in 1538 – further underscores its symbolic significance.
Days of Mourning
Over three days, more than 250,000 people waited for hours to pay their respects while Francis lay in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, with the basilica remaining open through the night. When doors closed due to capacity limits, mourners returned at dawn, echoing his words from his election and throughout his papacy: “Don’t forget to pray for me.”
