The funeral of Pope Francis has been a solemn and grand affair, with tens of thousands of pilgrims and mourners gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pay their respects. The late Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, has been lying in state in St. Peter’s Basilica for the past three days.
The mass was held outdoors at 10 AM local time, with a staggering 250,000 people in attendance. The ceremony was a somber and reflective event, with over 130 delegations present, including world leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and former U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden.
The two-hour ceremony was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who spoke about Pope Francis’s legacy as a “pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone.” He highlighted Francis’s dedication to peace and his compassion for refugees and displaced persons around the world. The crowd, comprised of clergy and political leaders, was a striking mix of black, red, and white robes, creating a patchwork of colors in the square.
The atmosphere was filled with Latin verses and Gregorian chants, creating a sense of reverence and solemnity. The pallbearers carrying Pope Francis’s coffin through the doors of St. Peter’s Basilica one last time elicited applause from the crowd, honoring the late pontiff’s memory.
Overall, the funeral was a poignant and moving tribute to Pope Francis, a leader who was deeply loved and respected by people from all walks of life. His legacy of compassion, peace, and empathy will continue to inspire generations to come.
