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Watch: Key moments from the funeral of Pope Francis
Pope Francis has been laid to rest in Rome following a deeply moving funeral service attended by an immense crowd, including numerous heads of state.
The Pope, who became the first South American pontiff, passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, concluding a twelve-year tenure.
As the sun rose over the Italian capital, a diverse gathering of pilgrims, priests, and nuns made their way silently toward the Vatican.
To accommodate the massive turnout and ensure security, many streets surrounding St. Peter’s Basilica were restricted, with over a hundred foreign dignitaries expected to partake in the funeral mass.
More than 8,000 police personnel, along with firefighters, medics, and volunteers, were deployed from various regions of Italy. Their presence added a vibrant mix of regional accents to the atmosphere in Rome.
By 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT), the crowd in St. Peter’s Square was already swelling.
Jessica, 22, from Mexico, and Cyril, 20, from the United States, arrived at dawn to secure a prime viewing spot for the mass.
“We never thought we’d be this close. We sacrificed a little sleep to be here but it’s worth it,” expressed Jessica, noting that her family back home would be astonished to hear she attended the Pope’s funeral.
As foreign dignitaries took their seats beside the altar, photographers lined the press area, eagerly capturing moments of notable figures like US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had recently exchanged heated remarks.
Shortly after, it was reported that the two leaders had met privately for about 15 minutes prior to the service, leaving many speculating about the significance of their encounter.
Zelensky remarked that their discussion “had potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results,” drawing jokes on social media about the possible implications of their meeting.
Throughout the ceremony, participants displayed a vibrant array of colors—from the bright red vestments of clergy to the gentle hues of nuns’ veils and the vibrant sun hats worn by pilgrims.
Hymns resonated across the square, occasionally interrupted by passing helicopters, while drones and seagulls crossed paths above Michelangelo’s iconic dome.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, at 91 years old, presided over the mass, delivering a homily that echoed the Pope’s calls for compassion and peace.
The structure of the service resembled a standard Catholic funeral, yet it incorporated readings in various languages and hymns sung in Latin.
A crowd, estimated by the Vatican at around 200,000, applauded at significant moments, including the arrival of the Pope’s simple wooden coffin and when Cardinal Re spoke of Francis’s dedication to migrants and peace.
He highlighted that the Pope’s first official journey was to Lampedusa, a major entry point for migrants into Europe, and recalled the mass held at the US-Mexico border.
“War results in the death of people and the destruction of homes, hospitals, and schools,” the cardinal stated, emphasizing the Pope’s lifelong advocacy for building connections rather than barriers.
“It was good to hear that on a day when so many heads of state were on St. Peter’s Square,” said Maria, who, along with her friend Grazia from Sardinia, attended the funeral. “It was a message for them because they are the ones who decide if there will be war or peace.”
During communion, white-clad priests moved through St. Peter’s Square with golden chalices, offering the sacrament to those gathered.
Following the blessing of the coffin with holy water, Cardinal Re performed incense rituals while the basilica’s bells tolled three times.
After the service, leaders began to depart, with Trump reportedly back on Air Force One within an hour, while others engaged in informal discussions across Rome.
The Pope’s coffin was then transported in a slow procession to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial, with around 140,000 lined along the streets to pay their respects, applauding as the hearse passed Rome’s landmarks.
At approximately 15:00, Pope Francis was finally interred at the church, close to a revered icon of the Virgin Mary.
With the conclusion of the funeral, many attendees quickly shifted to nearby cafes and restaurants, reflecting on the profound experience.
Grazia remarked on the significance of the event, noting, “It was wonderful to meet in a single square with people who come from every corner of the world. This is the legacy of the Pope.”
Authorities confirmed that the day unfolded smoothly without major incidents. Fabio Ciciliano, head of the Civil Protection, noted, “Four hundred thousand people shared a historic and emotional moment in a serene way, without critical issues.”
As the world reflects on this significant farewell, attention now shifts to the upcoming conclave that will select Pope Francis’s successor. A date for the conclave has yet to be announced, but it is anticipated to commence shortly after the nine-day mourning period, possibly around 5 or 6 May.
Expected to be the largest conclave in modern history with 135 cardinals, it remains an area of curiosity as media interest continues to build around the cardinals and the potential direction for the papacy.
Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi from Tonga, approached for comments after the funeral, humorously referred to the unknown future, saying, “Only He knows.”
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