In brief
In a heartfelt outpouring of grief, citizens of Rome converged at St. John Lateran to remember Pope Francis, reflecting on his impactful messages of peace and social justice in the wake of his death at the age of 88.
April 21, 2025, 1:49 p.m. ET - Following the announcement of Pope Francis' passing, mourners from all walks of life made their way to St. John Lateran, the official seat of the Bishop of Rome. The massive basilica, situated outside Vatican City, became a focal point for locals wishing to pay their final respects to their longtime spiritual leader. "We felt compelled to come here after hearing the devastating news," shared Mauro Cappelli, whose family stood by him as they marked this somber occasion. St. John Lateran, located in a bustling neighborhood, drew pilgrims from different regions, including large tour groups, as well as individual visitors who captured memories at the newly opened holy door for the church Jubilee. Inside the church, voices in Italian reflected the sentiments of many Romans. "It was shocking, even if we were prepared for it," recounted Pasquale Di Tardo, who traveled from Bari for Easter with his wife, Rosa Rita Porro. Having witnessed the Pope's gradual decline, Di Tardo noted his emotional connection to Francis. “It’s a pity,” he expressed about the demise of a leader he regarded with respect.Maria Puma, a friend of the couple, echoed these themes, sharing that she was still processing the loss while acknowledging that, despite occasional disagreements, Francis embodied principles of tolerance and inclusivity. "He opened doors to a vision of a better world, and we will miss that," remarked Maria Antonini, wife of Mauro Cappelli. As the day progressed under radiant skies, many mourners articulated their hope that Pope Francis' legacy would guide future generations toward compassion and justice, contrasting sharply with the often divisive rhetoric of contemporary leadership. Their collective grief transformed into a shared commitment to carry forward his message. - Bernhard Warner is a senior editor for DealBook, a newsletter from The Times focused on business trends and economic insights.
