The funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, was a momentous occasion attended by over 250,000 mourners in St. Peter’s Square. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and reverence, complemented by the clear blue sky and the sound of chirping seagulls as his coffin was carried through the square for his Requiem Mass on Saturday.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re led the solemn service, accompanied by around 250 cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and other religious figures. In his poignant sermon, Cardinal Giovanni reflected on Pope Francis’s lifelong commitment to social and ecological justice, highlighting his closeness to the people and an inclusive vision for the Church that extended to the marginalized and vulnerable. The Pope’s compassionate outreach was evident throughout his life, especially in his advocacy for environmental care, notably expressed through his Encyclical “Laudato si.”
The procession to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major was marked by the attendance of a diverse group of over 150,000 people paying their final respects. Upon arrival, a group of poor and homeless individuals welcomed the papal coffin, symbolizing Pope Francis’s prioritization of the marginalized throughout his ministry.
In his closing remarks, Cardinal Giovanni echoed the heartfelt sentiment of Pope Francis’s oft-repeated request: “Do not forget to pray for me.” As the congregation applauded, he acknowledged the collective wish for the late pontiff to intercede for the Church and the world from above.
Following the mass, Pope Francis’s body was set to be entombed at Saint Mary Major’s Basilica, a choice that reflects his deep connection to the faithful. His vision as a “field hospital” represents the Church engaging actively with societal wounds, reminding many that his legacy continues to inspire a commitment to compassion and service across the globe.
As tributes pour in from worldwide leaders and communities, there is a shared hope that Pope Francis’s teachings will endure, encouraging ongoing efforts toward empathy, inclusivity, and social justice in a world that needs them more than ever. His life and ministry serve as a reminder of the power of kindness and the importance of being present for one another, especially in challenging times.
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