The world came together in Vatican City to mourn Pope Francis during a massive funeral ceremony. The funeral attracted presidents, royalty, pilgrims, and hundreds of thousands of simple mourners. All gathered to honour the 12-year reign of a pope who changed the world.
More than 250,000 people packed St. Peter’s Square and surrounding roads to say their last goodbye. Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, while leading the Mass, said, “Rich in human warmth and deeply sensitive to today’s challenges, Pope Francis truly shared the anxieties, sufferings and hopes of this time.”
Many applauded when the Cardinal spoke about the pope’s care for migrants, his constant pleas for peace, and his fight against climate change. His legacy touched hearts across the world, and the claps proved it. After the Mass, ushers lifted the casket, giving the huge crowd a better final view of the man they loved.
A colourful scene unfolded as aerial views captured black-clad world leaders, 250 cardinals in red, 400 bishops in purple, and 4,000 priests in white robes. In a final act true to his simple life, Pope Francis requested to be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica instead of the traditional crypt beneath St. Peter’s. His wish reflected his rejection of papal pomp, a quality he fiercely lived by.
Pope Francis Humble Burial Stirs Emotions
The funeral procession took Pope Francis through Rome’s historic streets. His open casket, placed atop a popemobile, passed thousands of mourners lining the 5.5-kilometre route. Some threw flowers; others waved signs. Many shouted “viva il papa” and “ciao, Francesco” with tears rolling down their faces.
Unlike other popes, Francis requested a simple zinc-lined wooden coffin instead of the traditional triple-casket burial. His tomb bears only “Franciscus,” his Latin name, with his simple iron-plated cross hanging above it. Even in death, Pope Francis reminded the world of humility, humanity, and service to others.
A police estimate put the crowd at around 150,000 along the route. As the popemobile moved slowly through Rome’s ancient wonders like the Colosseum, it felt like history and faith combined into one final, emotional goodbye.
Inside St. Mary Major Basilica, the burial ceremony was conducted privately. His coffin left the Vatican quietly through the Perugino Gate, close to Santa Marta guesthouse, where he had preferred to live rather than the papal palace. His choice of residence and resting place screamed simplicity and service above status.
Trump and Zelenskiy Meet Briefly at Funeral
Amid the mourning, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held a brief but important meeting inside St. Peter’s Basilica. In a photograph released by Zelenskiy’s office, both men sat closely, leaning towards each other for deep conversation.
A White House official called it a “very productive discussion.” The funeral thus served not just as a farewell but also a political touchpoint at a critical time for global peace efforts.
Several world leaders attended the funeral, including the presidents of Argentina, France, Gabon, Germany, the Philippines, and Poland. Prime ministers of Britain and New Zealand, and many royal families, including the King and Queen of Spain, were also present.
Over three days before the funeral, 250,000 people had filed past Pope Francis’ coffin at St. Peter’s Basilica. Latin hymns and prayers in languages like Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and Arabic echoed across the Vatican, showing the global bond Pope Francis created in his lifetime.
One French pilgrim, Aurelie Andre, said, “When I arrived at the square, tears of sadness and also joy came over me. I think I truly realised that Pope Francis had left us, and at the same time, there is joy for all he has done for the Church.”
Pope Francis became the first non-European pope in almost 1,300 years. His time as pope focused heavily on fighting for the poor, urging world leaders to act on climate change, and pushing for a more transparent and humble Church.
Even though he faced resistance from traditionalists who hated the changes, he stood firm. His written papal summary said, “Francis left everyone a wonderful testimony of humanity, of a holy life and of universal fatherhood.”
Bottom Line
As the world mourns this humble leader, attention will turn towards who will succeed him. The conclave, expected to start after May 6, will gather cardinals who must decide whether to continue Francis’ vision of a more open Church or pull back into a more conservative structure.
