Pope Francis was laid to rest in Rome after a grand funeral attended by hundreds of thousands. The first South American pope, who passed away at 88, had a 12-year tenure filled with significant moments for the Catholic Church.
On a hazy morning, the streets of Rome filled with pilgrims, nuns, and priests making their way to the Vatican. Security was tight, with many streets around St. Peter’s Basilica closed off for the ceremony. The atmosphere was somber yet vibrant, as people from all over the world came to pay their respects.
The funeral service started with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re leading the mass, which followed the traditional Catholic format. Hymns were sung in Latin, and readings were presented in multiple languages, reflecting the global reach of Pope Francis’s influence. The crowd outside St. Peter’s Square, estimated at around 200,000, applauded key moments, including the arrival of world leaders and the unveiling of the Pope’s simple wooden coffin.
Among the dignitaries present were U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The two leaders were seen conversing before the service, a notable moment given their past tensions. Zelensky later remarked that their meeting could be historic if it led to meaningful outcomes.
As the service concluded, the Pope’s coffin was transported through the streets of Rome in a repurposed popemobile. An estimated 140,000 people lined the route, cheering and waving as the procession passed iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Forum. The journey ended at the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis was buried next to a revered icon of the Virgin Mary.
The day unfolded smoothly, with officials reporting no significant incidents. Many attendees expressed how moving it was to gather in such a diverse crowd, united in mourning for the Pope. As the world reflects on his legacy, attention turns to the upcoming conclave that will elect his successor, a process expected to begin soon after the nine days of mourning.