Thousands Gather in Vatican to Honor Late Pope Francis
St. Peter’s Square saw a profound display of grief as over 250,000 worshipers, religious leaders, and dignitaries came together on Saturday to honor Pope Francis, who passed away at 88. The ceremony, held at St. Peter’s Basilica, commenced at 10 a.m. local time and lasted for more than two hours, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
The aesthetic simplicity of the service was marked by heartfelt hymns, a moving homily, and a poignant farewell for the first Latin American pope. Following the ceremony, Pope Francis’ modest coffin was transported in the iconic white popemobile across the River Tiber, ultimately being entombed at Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
The funeral attracted an unprecedented gathering of global leaders, with 130 delegations in attendance. Notable figures included Argentine President Javier Milei, Britain’s Prince William, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former US President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In a significant moment, Trump and Zelensky met ahead of the service for a 15-minute discussion, emphasizing ongoing diplomatic dialogues.
Security measures were heightened in Rome, with over 2,000 police officers and specialized units deployed to ensure safety during the proceedings.
Cardinal Re delivered an emotional eulogy, praising Pope Francis’ empathic leadership amidst global turmoil, particularly his calls for peace in war-torn regions such as Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. Mourners included many young people and pilgrims who traveled from various countries, reflecting the pope’s broad influence and appeal. While some supporters felt he could have been more reformative, many acknowledged his lasting impact on the Catholic Church and its 1.4 billion followers, heralding a progressive legacy.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
