By Francesca Pollio Fenton
CNA Staff, Apr 25, 2025 / 18:56 pm
As the clock struck 9:45 p.m. in Rome, thousands of pilgrims had already begun lining the streets in anticipation of Pope Francis’ funeral procession to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he will be laid to rest. The funeral is scheduled for April 26 at 10 a.m. Rome time, and the procession is expected to take approximately half an hour, passing by iconic Roman landmarks such as the Colosseum.
One such pilgrim, Ismael, who hails from Barcelona, Spain, shared his personal journey back to the Catholic Church after 20 years, inspired by Pope Francis’ message of inclusivity and acceptance. Ismael, along with his friend Dalia, traveled to Rome to bid farewell to the pope who played a significant role in his spiritual reawakening.
Ismael expressed his gratitude for finding his way back to the Church, attributing it to Pope Francis’ inclusive approach and welcoming demeanor towards all individuals. His backpack adorned with a picture of the pope and the words “In the Church we all fit, everyone, everyone” and “I came back to the Church thanks to you” symbolized his deep appreciation for the pontiff’s influence on his life.
Joining Ismael in the line were pilgrims from Portugal and El Salvador residing in Milan, Italy, showcasing the global impact of Pope Francis’ legacy and the profound connections he forged with people from diverse backgrounds.
Join Nadia Trujillo and her friend Ana Asensio on a unique pilgrimage to Rome that took an unexpected turn. Their plan was to walk through the Holy Door of the jubilee, but the sudden death of the pope changed everything.
“We did not expect the death of the pope to happen, especially at a time when Jesus conquered death. It serves as a reminder that we are all mortal, but we have been given the chance to be reborn through Jesus Christ,” Nadia reflected.
Grateful for the spiritual guidance she has received from the Catholic Church, Nadia acknowledged the teachings that have helped her navigate life’s challenges. “Without these guidelines, I would have strayed further from my path,” she admitted.
Ana, who reconnected with her faith after the pope’s influence, expressed her gratitude. “I felt a personal commitment to come here after leaving the Church. Thanks to the pope, I returned, made my first Communion, and received confirmation last year,” Ana shared.
As the pilgrims gathered around the basilica, the energy was both lively and reverent. Despite their exhaustion, the faithful remained dedicated, ready to stay up all night for the pope’s funeral.
A group of African nuns, Disciples of the Sacred Heart, stood in line, embodying a sense of hope and devotion. Some prayed silently, while others sang hymns and shared words of encouragement as they awaited the morning ceremony. The anticipation in the air was palpable, as pilgrims from all walks of life came together to honor the pope’s legacy.
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