World leaders, royalty, and thousands of pilgrims gathered in Vatican City today to bid a final farewell to Pope Francis, a leader who transformed the Catholic Church with his message of compassion, simplicity, and inclusion.
Under the bright Roman sun, more than 250,000 mourners filled St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding streets for the solemn funeral Mass. U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and dignitaries from across the globe sat alongside Catholic cardinals, bishops, and clergy.
Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who presided over the funeral, praised Francis as a pope “rich in human warmth and deeply sensitive to the challenges of our time.” The crowd erupted in applause as Re highlighted Francis’ lifelong commitment to migrants, peace, and environmental stewardship.
Pope Francis, who led the Church for 12 years before passing away at 88 after a stroke, was remembered not only for his leadership but for his humanity. He championed the marginalized, urged action on climate change, and consistently called for peace amid global conflicts.
A moving scene unfolded as the pope’s casket was lifted and tilted slightly, allowing more mourners to catch a last glimpse. Above the square, a sea of black, red, purple, and white garments from political leaders and clergy created a powerful visual tribute.
After the Mass, the casket was placed on an open-top popemobile for a ceremonial procession through Rome. Francis had requested to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major instead of the traditional resting place beneath St. Peter’s Basilica — a final act of humility from a pope who always chose simplicity over grandeur.
As the popemobile made its way along a 5.5-kilometer route lined by 150,000 people, cries of “Viva il Papa!” and “Ciao, Francesco!” echoed through the historic streets. Flowers rained down, and many waved hand-written signs bidding their beloved pope goodbye.
A brief but notable moment during the funeral was a private meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Photos released by Zelenskiy’s office showed the two leaders in intense conversation, signaling hopes for diplomacy amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Among other attendees were the presidents of Argentina, France, Gabon, Germany, the Philippines, Poland, and royals from Spain. Over the past three days, about 250,000 faithful had visited St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects at Francis’ open casket.
The funeral service, rich with Latin hymns and prayers in Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and Arabic, captured the global spirit of the 1.4-billion-member Roman Catholic Church.
Francis was the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years and made lasting impacts with his calls for reform, social justice, and a Church closer to the people. His desire for simplicity even influenced his burial: he broke with tradition by choosing a single, zinc-lined wooden coffin rather than the customary three caskets.
His resting place bears a simple inscription — “Franciscus” — and above it, a reproduction of the plain iron cross he once wore.
Now, attention turns toward the upcoming conclave in May, where cardinals will gather to elect a new pope and decide whether to continue Francis’ progressive legacy or return to more traditional roots.
Pope Francis’ memory remains etched in the hearts of millions — a shepherd who walked humbly among his flock until the very end.
