The funeral of Pope Francis concluded with a procession through Rome, drawing immense crowds and an assembly of international leaders amidst reflections on his legacy of peace and compassion.
Thousands Gather in Rome to Bid Farewell to Pope Francis Following Historic Funeral
Thousands Gather in Rome to Bid Farewell to Pope Francis Following Historic Funeral
Pope Francis's funeral attracted global dignitaries and over two hundred thousand mourners in Rome, marking the end of an era for the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis was laid to rest in Rome yesterday, following a monumental funeral ceremony that witnessed an outpouring of grief from admirers, with hundreds of thousands filling the streets and dignitaries from around the globe in attendance. The pontiff, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years, passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
As the sun rose over a hazy Rome, numerous pilgrims, religious figures, and citizens quietly marched towards the Vatican. The area surrounding St Peter's Basilica was largely closed off to ensure a smooth flow of visitors and maintain security, with a substantial presence of approximately 8,000 police officers and other emergency personnel on duty, creating a unique auditory tapestry of regional accents from across Italy.
Early arrivals, such as Jessica from Mexico and Cyril from the US, expressed their delight at being present. Jessica remarked, “We sacrificed a little sleep to be here but it’s worth it.”
As foreign leaders settled in for the funeral mass, photographers endeavored to capture exclusive moments between significant figures. Notably, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met briefly ahead of the service, sparking optimism that their meeting could yield significant outcomes for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The ceremony was punctuated with vibrant displays of color as clergy in their traditional garb mingled with draped crowds, while hymns resonated against the backdrop of helicopters and the iconic dome of St Peter's Basilica. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presided over the mass, resembling any typical Catholic funeral, with readings in multiple languages and hymns sung in Latin. Applause erupted in the square when the Pope's plain wooden coffin was presented, marking poignant moments throughout the service.
During the homily, Cardinal Re highlighted Pope Francis’s unwavering dedication to peace and the plight of refugees, recalling the pontiff’s first trip to Lampedusa, a critical entry point for migrants. His words resonated deeply, sparking reflections among the attendees about the responsibility world leaders hold in fostering peace rather than war.
As communion unfolded, priests clad in white moved throughout the crowd, and Cardinal Re solemnly blessed the Pope’s coffin, which was subsequently carried through Rome in a small procession that garnered warm applause from mourners who lined the streets.
In total, around 140,000 people witnessed the hearse's slow journey, which notably passed historic landmarks of Rome before reaching Santa Maria Maggiore, where the Pope was laid to rest near an icon of the Virgin Mary.
Post-funeral, attendees flooded nearby cafes and pizzerias, reminiscing on the shared moment of unity across cultures. Grazia, visiting from Sardinia, conveyed the impact of the experience, saying, “It was wonderful to meet in a single square with people who come from every corner of the world and to live a shared moment.”
With the funeral concluding successfully and without disturbance, attention now turns to the upcoming conclave responsible for selecting the next Pope, anticipated to occur shortly after the nine days of mourning. The next Pope may emerge from this historic gathering of 135 cardinals, stirring curiosity and speculation within the global community.
As one cardinal humorously alluded to the unpredictability of successor selection, the world watches closely to see what the future holds for the Catholic Church in this pivotal moment.
