Pope Francis was laid to rest in a ceremony attended by hundreds of thousands, reflecting on his transformative 12-year papacy and the impact he left on the world.
Pope Francis Laid to Rest in Rome: A Historic Farewell
Pope Francis Laid to Rest in Rome: A Historic Farewell
A massive gathering marked the funeral of Pope Francis, as thousands pay their last respects in Rome.
Pope Francis was interred in Rome after a grand funeral attended by an estimated 200,000 mourners and notable world leaders. The pope, who passed away at age 88, was celebrated for his commitment to peace and humanitarian efforts. On a hazy morning, a diverse crowd including teenagers, clergy, and pilgrims filled the streets leading to the Vatican, drawn by their admiration for the first South American pope. The mass was conducted by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and featured readings in various languages, symbolizing the global reach of Francis's ministry.
As state dignitaries took their places, significant moments unfolded, including a brief meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They sought to showcase unity amidst troubled times, emphasizing the need for peace, a recurrent theme throughout the service. Cardinal Re's homily addressed Francis's lifelong advocacy for migrants and peace, urging world leaders to "build bridges, not walls."
Following the mass, crowds applauded as the pope's coffin, accompanied by clergy in traditional vestments, was moved for burial at Santa Maria Maggiore. The historic procession, likened to a celebration, passed key landmarks in Rome, capturing the profound connection Pope Francis had cultivated with people worldwide. As the faithful reflected on his legacy, plans for the upcoming conclave to elect the next pope began to take shape, hinting at new directions for the Catholic Church in the future.
