Historic farewell from 400,000 mourners
VATICAN CITY: Hundreds of thousands gathered in Rome on April 26 to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. The beloved pontiff, known for his dedication to the poor, was honored at a state funeral attended by over 50 world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, who praised him as “a good man who loved the world.”
Following a poignant service in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope’s plain wooden coffin, emblematic of his humility, was driven to Santa Maria Maggiore, his preferred church, where he was interred in a simple marble tomb that bore the inscription “Franciscus.”
During the funeral, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re remembered Pope Francis as “a pope among the people, with an open heart,” underlining his commitment to making the Church a welcoming refuge for all. Throughout his 12-year papacy, Francis championed inclusivity, advocating for divorced believers, same-sex couples, and transgender individuals while also maintaining traditional views on issues like abortion.
Highlighting the late Pope’s dedication to peace and justice, Cardinal Re spoke of his vigorous advocacy for negotiation in resolving global conflicts and his historic outreach to marginalized communities, including migrants.
The ceremony, safeguarded by extensive security measures, featured red-robed cardinals and dignitaries sitting among the faithful under a clear blue sky. The crowd gathered to pay tribute to a leader who, despite his papal authority, remained grounded and approachable throughout his life.
Born Jorge Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, the Pope’s legacy as a “people’s pope” is defined by his commitment to a Church aligned with the motto “A poor Church for the poor.” He chose to reside in a guesthouse rather than the opulent papal residence, embodying his values until the end.
Agencies