In a moving celebration of his life and legacy, the world gathered in Rome this Saturday to honour Pope Francis I, a humble pastor who forever changed the face of the Catholic Church.
The world has given a heartfelt farewell to Pope Francis, as leaders, pilgrims, and faithful gathered in Rome to celebrate the life of a man who spent his papacy putting the poor and marginalised at the heart of the Church.
On a brilliant spring morning, under a glowing pink sunrise over St. Peter’s Square, the 200,000-strong crowd mourned – but also joyfully remembered – the first Latin American pope, whose simple wooden coffin was carried out to applause, hymns, and even a few smiling selfies.
It was exactly the kind of send-off Francis had wanted. Having personally revised the Vatican’s funeral rites last year, he ensured that today’s ceremony stripped away grandeur, focusing instead on the pope’s role as a humble pastor.
In a service filled with light and music, the energy was anything but sombre, especially as thousands of young people – originally due to be in Rome for a postponed Holy Year celebration – filled the square with their vibrant presence.
Catholics gather to say goodbye as Pope Francis lies in state
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who led the Mass, captured the spirit of the day, remembering Francis as “a pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone”.
He reminded the mourners of the lasting image of Francis blessing the world one last time this Easter, waving to the crowd from his beloved popemobile.
World leaders pay their respect
Despite Francis’ deep concern for the powerless, today’s funeral was also attended by the powerful.
French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and Prince William were among the 160-plus official delegations.
Argentine President Javier Milei was present too, representing the land of Francis’ birth, even if their relationship had often been rocky.
Security was tight, with 2,500 police officers, 1,500 soldiers, and even a torpedo ship deployed to protect the vast crowds.
But none of that could dampen the open, welcoming atmosphere. Giant screens broadcast the Mass to those unable to squeeze into the square, while Francis’ funeral procession – complete with the familiar popemobile – was beamed live around the world.
World leaders and mourners gather in Rome to honour Pope Francis
Final resting place
After the service, Francis’ coffin was carried on a 2.5-mile journey through the heart of Rome to his final resting place: the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
Eschewing the grandeur of St. Peter’s crypt, Francis had requested to be buried simply, near an ancient Marian icon he loved deeply and prayed to before every papal journey.
Along the route, as many as 300,000 people lined the streets, waving flags, singing hymns, and bidding their final farewells.
Throughout his 12-year papacy, Francis sought to build “a poor church for the poor”.
Today’s farewell showed that he succeeded: a pope who touched the powerful but, more importantly, touched millions of ordinary people around the globe.
As Sister Christiana Neenwata of Nigeria said through tears and smiles, “We are here to honour him because he always said, ‘Don’t forget to pray for me.’ Today, we give him back the love he gave us".
(With wires)
