Approximately 250,000 mourners packed St. Peter’s Square and surrounding streets to take part in the Requiem Mass of Pope Francis, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
In an emotional homily, Cardinal Re called Pope Francis “a Pope of the people” because of his proximity, humility, and service until the end. “In spite of frailty and suffering at the end, Pope Francis decided to take this path of self-giving to the last day of his earthly existence,” Cardinal Re said. “He followed in the footsteps of his Lord, the Good Shepherd.” he added.
The Cardinal remembered the Pope’s final public appearance on Easter Sunday, when in spite of his critical health issues, he wished to bless the people from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica and welcomed thousands who had congregated for the Easter Mass.
”The final image we have of him, and which will stay with us, is that of last Sunday, Easter Sunday, when Pope Francis, notwithstanding his grave health issues, wished to impart his blessing to us from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica. He then descended to this Square to salute the great crowd present for the Easter Mass by way of the open-top Popemobile.” said Cardinal Re.
He explained how the naming of Pope Francis indicated his mission: Cardinal Re said, “His choice of the name Francis immediately appeared to allude to the pastoral plan and tone upon which he wished to establish his pontificate, as inspired by the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi.”
Cardinal Re praised the late pope’s focus on mercy, his tireless promotion of the poor, migrants, and refugees. “His gestures and appeals on behalf of refugees and displaced people are legion,” said Re.
Remembering Francis’ dedication to peace and preserving the environment, Cardinal Re stated, “During a time of world war and violence, Francis’ voice was one of peace, always maintaining that ‘war is a defeat for humanity.'”
When the homily concluded, Cardinal Re reversed Pope Francis’ iconic plea by stating, “Dear Francis, now we ask you to pray for us. Bless the Church, bless Rome, and bless the entire world from heaven.” The words evoked strong emotion among the faithful present, who replied with a strong applause. It was a last farewell to a Pope who, in the words of Cardinal Re, had “touched minds and hearts” around the globe.
Pope Francis’s funeral was attended by more than 130 world leaders, monarchs, and heads of state from around the globe. Some of the leaders present were Kenya’s William Ruto, United States President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, the First Lady, Former President Joe Biden and Jill Biden, the First Lady, also came to pay their respects, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron were also present, indicating the late Pope’s strong advocacy for peace and diplomacy.
Prince William was there on behalf of the British royal family, while European royalty present included King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, and King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his wife Janja, Argentine President Javier Milei, Indian President Droupadi Murmu, and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon were also present at the funeral in Rome. In addition to political leaders, high ranking members of international institutions were also present, including Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday 21st, April 2025 due to a stroke and cardiac arrest. The 88-year-old Pope led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years.
