By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Apr 26, 2025 / 05:03 am
More than 400,000 people filled St. Peter’s Square for the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday as the world said goodbye to the first Latin American pope who led the Catholic Church for the past 12 years.
Under the bright Roman sun and amid crowds extending down the Via della Conciliazione, the funeral Mass unfolded within the great colonnade of St. Peter’s Basilica. Heads of state, religious leaders, and pilgrims from across the globe gathered for the historic farewell.
The Legacy of Pope Francis: A Tribute to a Visionary Leader
As the bells tolled solemnly in St. Peter’s Square, a sense of reverence and mourning filled the air. The funeral Mass of Pope Francis was a poignant moment for the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, paid tribute to the life and legacy of a beloved pontiff.
Cardinal Re spoke of Pope Francis’ missionary vision, human warmth, spontaneity, and witness to mercy. He described the late pope as a charismatic leader, known for his welcoming spirit and attentive listening. “Evangelization was the guiding principle of his pontificate,” Re emphasized.
Pope Francis often referred to the Church as a ‘field hospital’ for the wounded, a place of healing and compassion for all. His commitment to addressing the challenges of the modern world and reaching out to every person, regardless of their beliefs or circumstances, was a hallmark of his papacy.
Surrounded by the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square, where Pope Francis had led countless Masses and gatherings, mourners gathered to bid farewell to a beloved leader. Cardinal Re led the congregation in prayer, entrusting the soul of the pontiff to God’s eternal love and grace.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, we are reminded of his profound impact on the Church and the world. His message of love, compassion, and inclusivity will continue to inspire generations to come. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Amidst a gathering of over 50 heads of state, including notable figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the world mourned the loss of Pope Francis at his funeral in St. Peter’s Square. The event also saw the presence of religious leaders from various traditions, royal families, and a massive crowd of pilgrims who arrived before dawn to pay their respects.
As per the official liturgical order for papal funerals, the funeral followed the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, with poignant scripture readings and a homily reflecting on Pope Francis’ impactful pontificate. More than 200 cardinals and 750 bishops and priests participated in the Mass, with over 4,000 journalists covering the event.
Cardinal Re, in his homily, highlighted Pope Francis’ advocacy for peace in the face of global conflicts and crises, drawing spontaneous applause from the crowd. The funeral was a solemn yet powerful tribute to a pontiff who left a lasting legacy of compassion and courage.
