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Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, led the poignant funeral Mass for the late Holy Father on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in the iconic St. Peter’s Square. His moving words highlighted the Pope’s dedication to serving the people and his enduring legacy of mercy. Before a crowd of thousands of faithful and dignitaries from around the world, Cardinal Re praised the Pontiff’s unwavering commitment to his ministry until his last breath.
The solemn Eucharistic Celebration concluded with the Ultima Commendatio and the Valedictio, where the Cardinal Vicar for the Diocese of Rome offered prayers on behalf of the Church of Rome. Representatives from Eastern Catholic Metropolitan Churches also paid their respects to the deceased Pope. Cardinal Re then performed the ceremonial sprinkling of holy water and incense over the Pontiff’s body.
Over 250,000 individuals attended Pope Francis’ funeral, a testament to his profound impact on the world. His casket was later laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
As the procession made its way from the Vatican to the Basilica, approximately 150,000 mourners bid a final farewell to Pope Francis.
Below, we present the heartfelt homily delivered by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re:
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Homily of His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re
In the grandeur of Saint Peter’s Square, where Pope Francis had presided over countless masses and gatherings, we gather in sorrow around his mortal remains. Yet, our faith assures us that his journey does not end in the grave but in eternal joy in the Father’s embrace.
On behalf of the College of Cardinals, I extend my gratitude to all who have joined us today. I offer sincere thanks to the heads of state and official delegations from various nations for their expressions of affection and respect for our beloved Pontiff.
The overwhelming outpouring of love following Pope Francis’ passing underscores the profound impact of his pontificate on hearts and minds.
The enduring image of Pope Francis, blessing the crowd on Easter Sunday despite his ailing health, encapsulates his selfless dedication to his flock. Through his example, he embodied the essence of Christ’s call to service and love.
As we commend our beloved Pontiff to God’s embrace, we recall Peter’s declaration of love for Jesus and his commission to “feed my sheep.” Pope Francis, in his frailty, mirrored the Good Shepherd’s sacrificial love, serving his Church with unwavering devotion until his final days.
His papacy, marked by humility and compassion, resonated with the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis’ pastoral approach, characterized by closeness to the marginalized and a commitment to dialogue, exemplified his dedication to the Gospel’s teachings.
With a warm and inclusive demeanor, Pope Francis engaged with individuals from all walks of life, offering a message of hope and renewal in an ever-changing world.
His legacy of evangelization, rooted in empathy and understanding, continues to inspire us to live out our faith amidst the challenges of the modern era.
The Inspiring Mission of Pope Francis
With a clear missionary vision, Pope Francis spread the joy of the Gospel, as seen in his first Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii gaudium. This joy fills the hearts of all who trust in God with confidence and hope.
Central to his mission was the belief that the Church is a welcoming home for all. He often likened the Church to a “field hospital,” ready to care for the wounded and address the challenges of the modern world. Pope Francis showed immense compassion for refugees, the poor, and those in need.
His dedication to helping the marginalized was evident in his numerous Apostolic Journeys. From visiting Lampedusa to Iraq, he sought to bring healing and support to those suffering. Pope Francis emphasized the importance of mercy and forgiveness, highlighting God’s endless capacity to forgive.
Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis stressed the importance of fraternity and solidarity, advocating for a culture of encounter over one of waste. His Encyclical Letter, Fratelli tutti, called for a global commitment to fraternity and unity.
Addressing pressing global issues, Pope Francis signed a Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together during his visit to the United Arab Emirates. He also emphasized our shared responsibility for the environment in his Encyclical Letter, Laudato si’.
Amidst the tragedies of war, Pope Francis consistently called for peace and dialogue to resolve conflicts. He believed in building bridges, not walls, and saw his role as one of service to both faith and humanity.
As we pray for Pope Francis, we are reminded of his request to pray for him as well. Let us continue to seek his intercession and blessings for the Church, Rome, and the world.
Dear Pope Francis, may you continue to guide us with your wisdom and compassion, bringing light and hope to all.
[Original text: Italian]
