Mary Major Basilica is a reflection of his humility and desire to be close to the people,” said Cardinal Re during the funeral mass.
The funeral procession then made its way through the streets of Rome, with thousands of mourners lining the route to pay their final respects to Pope Francis. The procession was led by a group of cardinals and bishops, followed by the Swiss Guards in their distinctive uniforms.
As the casket made its way to St. Mary Major Basilica, the streets were filled with the sound of mournful hymns and prayers. The funeral procession paused briefly in front of the Colosseum, where a special prayer was said for the souls of those who had suffered and died in the arena.
Upon arriving at St. Mary Major Basilica, the casket was carried inside and placed in front of the altar. Cardinal Re then delivered a final blessing and prayer, before the casket was lowered into the ground in a simple ceremony attended by a small group of close friends and family members.
The funeral of Pope Francis was a solemn and moving occasion, with tributes pouring in from around the world for a man who had dedicated his life to serving others. His legacy of compassion, humility, and commitment to social justice will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace. The funeral procession of Pope Francis, held outside the Vatican at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, was a solemn and moving event. Despite the grandeur of the occasion, the simplicity and humility of Francis were evident even in death, as he was laid to rest in a simple wooden casket. This departure from the traditional three coffins of his predecessors was a clear reflection of the values he held dear during his papacy.
CNN’s Vatican Correspondent, Christopher Lamb, noted that the choice of a simple wooden casket by Francis was a powerful message to the world. “Even in death, he is still trying to communicate the values of his papacy: simplicity and humility,” Lamb told Variety. The response to this gesture was overwhelming, with a large number of people turning out to pay their respects.
The funeral procession, following the service, made its way through central Rome, passing iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Thousands of mourners lined the streets, filming the motorcade with their phones and clapping as the white hearse carrying Francis’ coffin passed by. The sight was a poignant reminder of the impact Francis had on people around the world.
Once the procession reached the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, pallbearers lifted Francis’ coffin from the hearse and carried it into the basilica, where he was laid to rest. The burial was a private affair, not televised for the world to see.
In the days following the funeral, the secretive conclave is set to take place. This gathering of 135 cardinals from around the world will meet in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church. The conclave is expected to begin between May 5 and 10, following strict protocol.
CNN’s Lamb remarked on the global interest in the papal transition, noting that the funeral and conclave are significant events that draw attention from across the world. The funeral was covered by thousands of accredited journalists, highlighting the magnitude of the occasion.
As for the front-runner to be the next pontiff, Lamb emphasized that the field is wide open. With a majority of the cardinal electors chosen by Francis to reflect his vision of a more inclusive church, there is a sense of unpredictability in the selection process. The internationalized nature of the cardinals, hailing from diverse regions such as Tonga, Haiti, Central Africa, and Mongolia, adds to the intrigue of the upcoming conclave.
Overall, the funeral of Pope Francis was a momentous occasion that captured the attention of the world. His legacy of simplicity and humility lives on, as the Catholic Church prepares to welcome a new leader in the days to come.
