Vatican City — A sea of mourners joined world leaders on Saturday in a profound farewell to Pope Francis, a revered advocate for the marginalized who reshaped the Catholic Church with a spirit of inclusivity and compassion.
More than 300,000 people crowded St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding streets of Rome, according to Vatican estimates, bearing witness to a moment of history as the first Latin American pontiff was laid to rest. The funeral, marked by simplicity in accordance with Francis’ wishes, drew more than 100 international delegations, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and other global dignitaries.
Following a solemn mass led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the pontiff’s modest cypress coffin—adorned only by a simple cross—was transported to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. In a private ceremony, Francis was entombed beneath the marble floors of his beloved Roman church. The tomb bore a singular inscription: Franciscus.
Emotions ran high as the faithful watched the final procession. Maria Vicente, a 52-year-old pilgrim from Guatemala, wept as the coffin passed. “It’s heartbreaking. He touched so many lives with his kindness,” she said, clutching a rosary tightly in her hands.
The ceremony unfolded under clear blue skies, with red-robed cardinals and purple-hatted bishops flanking the altar. Across from them sat heads of state and royalty, a gathering rarely seen even in the Vatican’s storied history. Military jets soared overhead while security forces maintained tight control, mindful of the significance of the day.
In his homily, Cardinal Battista Re praised Francis’ unwavering vision of a Church that welcomes all. “He built bridges where others sought walls,” the cardinal said, referencing the late pope’s passionate calls for dialogue and peace in a divided world.
President Trump, making his first overseas trip since beginning a new term, met with President Zelensky inside St. Peter’s Basilica before the funeral, in a highly anticipated diplomatic encounter amid mounting international tensions. The White House later described their conversation as “very productive,” with discussions reportedly touching on efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Francis, who died Monday at the age of 88 from complications following a stroke and heart failure, spent 12 transformative years at the helm of the Catholic Church. His papacy was distinguished by a focus on the poor, marginalized communities, and an insistence that the Church must be a sanctuary open to everyone, regardless of circumstance.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires’ working-class Flores neighborhood, Francis became known as “the people’s pope.” He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, embracing a mission to champion the vulnerable and live simply—eschewing the Apostolic Palace for a humble guesthouse.
Throughout his tenure, Francis challenged traditional norms: he welcomed divorced and remarried Catholics back to the sacraments, approved blessings for same-sex couples, and encouraged baptisms for transgender believers. Still, he remained steadfast on key doctrinal issues, notably upholding the Church’s opposition to abortion.
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His leadership often drew sharp criticism from conservatives and world leaders alike, particularly for his outspoken defense of migrants, refugees, and environmental stewardship. Yet it was this authenticity and humility that earned him widespread admiration far beyond Catholic circles.
Saturday’s farewell set in motion nine official days of mourning, after which cardinals under the age of 80 will convene to elect the Church’s next spiritual leader.
Many mourners reflected on the bittersweet unity achieved through Francis’ passing. “He could not bring all the world’s leaders together in life,” remarked Francesco Morello, a 58-year-old Italian mourner. “But in death, he has.”
As the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled one last time for the 266th pope, Francis’ enduring message echoed across the square: a call to defend the vulnerable, to break down barriers, and to pursue peace with an open heart.
