Catholics and world leaders unite to bid farewell to the first Jesuit and Latin American pope whose tenure emphasized inclusivity and humility.
**Farewell to a Pontiff: Pope Francis Laid to Rest in Vatican City**
**Farewell to a Pontiff: Pope Francis Laid to Rest in Vatican City**
Thousands gather to honor the legacy of Pope Francis in a modest yet grand funeral ceremony.
April 26, 2025, 10:08 a.m. Vatican City - Thousands of mourners filled St. Peter’s Square this morning to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 88. The pontiff, known for his progressive views and commitment to inclusivity within the Catholic Church, is being laid to rest following a Mass that celebrates his legacy of caring for the marginalized and advocating for peace.
The funeral, which began at 10 a.m. local time, has attracted an impressive array of attendees, including over 150 foreign delegations. High-profile figures such as President Trump, former President Biden, and President Javier Milei of Argentina—all of whom experienced a complex relationship with the late pope—were present to pay their respects. Members of the public, from the powerful to the less fortunate, gathered to honor a figure whose humble approach endeared him to many.
Reflecting his commitment to simplicity, Pope Francis had expressed a desire for a less extravagant funeral than those of his predecessors, yet certain traditional elements remain. His final rites took place in accordance with centuries-old customs, featuring rich religious pageantry alongside solemnity as dignitaries and the faithful alike bid farewell.
During the ceremony, which was streamed globally, the pope's unadorned wooden coffin lay nestled on the ground rather than an elevated bier, embodying his beliefs in humility. After the Mass, Francis’s body was transported to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a site he cherished, for a private interment. There, he will rest in a simple grave marked only by the inscription "Franciscus," in alignment with his wished for simplicity.
The event also serves as a transition toward selecting a successor, with discussions among the College of Cardinals likely to commence immediately following the funeral. The gathering unfolded amid a backdrop of global political tensions, with attendees including leaders from nations often at odds with one another, exemplifying Francis's mission of unity and peace in a divided world.
As the bells of St. Peter's tolled in the background, the atmosphere in the square blended the somber nature of the occasion with an electric sense of community among the gathered mourners, attendees shared stories and reflections, recognizing the profound impact Pope Francis had on their lives and the Church at large.
The funeral, which began at 10 a.m. local time, has attracted an impressive array of attendees, including over 150 foreign delegations. High-profile figures such as President Trump, former President Biden, and President Javier Milei of Argentina—all of whom experienced a complex relationship with the late pope—were present to pay their respects. Members of the public, from the powerful to the less fortunate, gathered to honor a figure whose humble approach endeared him to many.
Reflecting his commitment to simplicity, Pope Francis had expressed a desire for a less extravagant funeral than those of his predecessors, yet certain traditional elements remain. His final rites took place in accordance with centuries-old customs, featuring rich religious pageantry alongside solemnity as dignitaries and the faithful alike bid farewell.
During the ceremony, which was streamed globally, the pope's unadorned wooden coffin lay nestled on the ground rather than an elevated bier, embodying his beliefs in humility. After the Mass, Francis’s body was transported to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a site he cherished, for a private interment. There, he will rest in a simple grave marked only by the inscription "Franciscus," in alignment with his wished for simplicity.
The event also serves as a transition toward selecting a successor, with discussions among the College of Cardinals likely to commence immediately following the funeral. The gathering unfolded amid a backdrop of global political tensions, with attendees including leaders from nations often at odds with one another, exemplifying Francis's mission of unity and peace in a divided world.
As the bells of St. Peter's tolled in the background, the atmosphere in the square blended the somber nature of the occasion with an electric sense of community among the gathered mourners, attendees shared stories and reflections, recognizing the profound impact Pope Francis had on their lives and the Church at large.
