Pope Francis's funeral drew an unprecedented gathering of global leaders and citizens alike, as the world paid homage to a historically inclusive pontiff.
Farewell to a Shepherd: Pope Francis Laid to Rest Amid Global Tributes
Farewell to a Shepherd: Pope Francis Laid to Rest Amid Global Tributes
World leaders, dignitaries, and thousands of mourners honor Pope Francis during his funeral in Vatican City.
April 26, 2025, 12:36 PM - Vatican City under a clear spring sky has become a site for an extraordinary farewell to Pope Francis, who was laid to rest following a solemn funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica. Thousands of mourners, including key world leaders like President Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, came together to honor the late pontiff’s legacy of inclusivity and humility.
In a departure from previous papal funerals, Pope Francis chose a simpler ceremony that reflected his ethos of being a humble pastor. The Mass was filled with Gregorian chants and readings in various languages, echoing his message of openness and community. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, presiding over the Mass, delivered a heartfelt homily that encapsulated Francis's passion for compassion, particularly toward the marginalized.
Following the Mass, the pope's wooden coffin, inscribed simply with "Franciscus," was transported to St. Mary Major, a papal basilica with personal significance for him. Along the route, large crowds gathered, flanked by a historical procession through Rome. True to his commitments to the poor, a group of needy individuals awaited the arrival of his coffin at the basilica's steps.
This event marked not only a moment of grief but also the beginning of discussions regarding Francis’s successor, with the College of Cardinals now looking toward a new era for the papacy. Cardinal Re described the late pope as a figure who brought “joy” and “a sense of home for all” within the Church, emphasizing the impact of his 12-year legacy.
Amongst those present, former presidents and youth alike reflected on Francis’s enduring message of faith and hope as the world watched an event that symbolized both reverence and the global interconnections cultivated by this humble leader. The transition to choosing a successor promises to carry forward the spirit of the late pope’s beloved vision for a more compassionate and inclusive church.
In a departure from previous papal funerals, Pope Francis chose a simpler ceremony that reflected his ethos of being a humble pastor. The Mass was filled with Gregorian chants and readings in various languages, echoing his message of openness and community. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, presiding over the Mass, delivered a heartfelt homily that encapsulated Francis's passion for compassion, particularly toward the marginalized.
Following the Mass, the pope's wooden coffin, inscribed simply with "Franciscus," was transported to St. Mary Major, a papal basilica with personal significance for him. Along the route, large crowds gathered, flanked by a historical procession through Rome. True to his commitments to the poor, a group of needy individuals awaited the arrival of his coffin at the basilica's steps.
This event marked not only a moment of grief but also the beginning of discussions regarding Francis’s successor, with the College of Cardinals now looking toward a new era for the papacy. Cardinal Re described the late pope as a figure who brought “joy” and “a sense of home for all” within the Church, emphasizing the impact of his 12-year legacy.
Amongst those present, former presidents and youth alike reflected on Francis’s enduring message of faith and hope as the world watched an event that symbolized both reverence and the global interconnections cultivated by this humble leader. The transition to choosing a successor promises to carry forward the spirit of the late pope’s beloved vision for a more compassionate and inclusive church.
