Pope Francis’ funeral took place at St. Peter’s Basilica, attended by over 250,000 mourners, including numerous world leaders. As the Vatican mourns the loss of its pontiff, attention now shifts to selecting his successor during the upcoming conclave.
Tributes Flow as Pope Francis is Laid to Rest in Historic Funeral
Tributes Flow as Pope Francis is Laid to Rest in Historic Funeral
A Global Assembly of Leaders and Devotees Gather to Honor the Legacy of the First South American Pope
The time of farewell has arrived for Pope Francis, the first South American pontiff who greatly influenced the Catholic Church over his twelve-year reign. Thousands gathered on Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica for a poignant funeral service that resonated with a blend of solemnity and celebration, as Gregorian chants echoed through the piazza. Among those paying respect was a distinguished assembly of world leaders, including President Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, who engaged in a productive dialogue before the service—their first face-to-face meeting since a pointed disagreement in February.
During the service, the papal coffin, draped in red vestments, was surrounded by key figures in the church and representatives from various nations, all honoring a leader whose simplicity and engagement with global issues left an indelible impact. With the cypress coffin holding the late Pope, over 250,000 attended the funeral, a number mirrored by the crowds who queued in the preceding days to say their last goodbyes.
Following the funeral rites, the late Pope's body was transported through Rome in a unique popemobile as admirers raised their hands and called out "grande"—a testament to the esteem in which he was held. Eventually, he was interred at the nearby Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major during a private ceremony.
Interestingly, Pope Francis had opted for a humble service in accordance with his principles, reflecting a departure from the ostentatious rites that characterized previous pontiffs. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, during a sermon, remarked on the Pope’s legacy of accessibility; he carefully curated scripture readings that encapsulated themes of hope and inclusivity.
As the Church mourns, preparations for the next chapter have begun, with a conclave set to begin on May 6. According to reports, cardinals have already started informal meetings to discuss the direction they envision for the Church moving forward. The task of selecting Pope Francis's successor promises to be an intense negotiating process, as alliances and preferences begin to crystallize over the coming days.
In a poignant reminder of the continuity of life, just hours after the funeral, the Vatican’s doors opened again, welcoming a new wave of pilgrims and tourists. Both grief for the departed and the anticipation for new leadership permeate the air as the Catholic Church prepares for yet another transformation.
During the service, the papal coffin, draped in red vestments, was surrounded by key figures in the church and representatives from various nations, all honoring a leader whose simplicity and engagement with global issues left an indelible impact. With the cypress coffin holding the late Pope, over 250,000 attended the funeral, a number mirrored by the crowds who queued in the preceding days to say their last goodbyes.
Following the funeral rites, the late Pope's body was transported through Rome in a unique popemobile as admirers raised their hands and called out "grande"—a testament to the esteem in which he was held. Eventually, he was interred at the nearby Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major during a private ceremony.
Interestingly, Pope Francis had opted for a humble service in accordance with his principles, reflecting a departure from the ostentatious rites that characterized previous pontiffs. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, during a sermon, remarked on the Pope’s legacy of accessibility; he carefully curated scripture readings that encapsulated themes of hope and inclusivity.
As the Church mourns, preparations for the next chapter have begun, with a conclave set to begin on May 6. According to reports, cardinals have already started informal meetings to discuss the direction they envision for the Church moving forward. The task of selecting Pope Francis's successor promises to be an intense negotiating process, as alliances and preferences begin to crystallize over the coming days.
In a poignant reminder of the continuity of life, just hours after the funeral, the Vatican’s doors opened again, welcoming a new wave of pilgrims and tourists. Both grief for the departed and the anticipation for new leadership permeate the air as the Catholic Church prepares for yet another transformation.
