Pope Francis Laid to Rest: A Final Farewell from the Faithful and Leaders

VATICAN CITY -- A profound farewell was offered to Pope Francis in an unprecedented funeral ceremony that drew an estimated 250,000 attendees to St. Peter's Square on Saturday. The event underscored his deep commitment to marginalized communities and exemplified his desire to be remembered as a humble shepherd of the Catholic Church.

World leaders, including presidents and royals, gathered to honor the first Latin American pope, whose influence resonated across the globe. As his simple wooden coffin made its way through the streets of Rome in a modified popemobile, an additional 150,000 people lined the procession route to pay their respects. The journey to St. Mary Major Basilica, approximately 6 kilometers away, was marked by applause and cheers for "Papa Francesco."

Upon arrival, Francis' coffin was greeted by a group of migrants, prisoners, and the homeless, who held white roses--a poignant symbol of his outreach to those on society's fringes. The pallbearers carried the coffin past these individuals before entering the basilica. Inside, children laid the roses at the altar before cardinals conducted the burial rites.

During the Mass, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered an emotional eulogy, celebrating Francis as a pope of the people who communicated effectively with the vulnerable. He noted Francis' unwavering dedication to migrants, recalling moments when the pope had celebrated Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border and personally welcomed refugees into his home.

Despite the focus on the less fortunate, the funeral also saw a significant presence of powerful figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The gathering was a rare convergence of global leaders, reflecting the broad impact Francis had during his papacy. Notably, a private meeting occurred between Trump and Zelenskyy, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical discussions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine.

Francis had meticulously planned the details of his own funeral, intending to emphasize his role as a humble pastor rather than a powerful figure. This approach was consistent with his efforts throughout his papacy to reform the Church and promote a vision of a community that welcomes all.

The early morning of the funeral saw thousands waiting outside St. Peter's Basilica, eager to secure a spot for the Mass. Many had traveled to Rome for the postponed canonization of Carlo Acutis, a millennial saint, and took the opportunity to honor Francis as well. Pilgrims from various backgrounds expressed their sorrow and gratitude, reflecting on the personal connection they felt with the pope.

As the sun rose, illuminating the façade of St. Peter's Basilica, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of grief and celebration. Security measures were extensive, involving thousands of police and military personnel to ensure safety during the historic event.

Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell sealed the coffin during the burial ceremony, marking a significant moment as Francis became the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903. His resting place carries symbolic weight, situated in a basilica closely linked to the Jesuit order he belonged to, further signifying his lifelong connection to service and pastoral care.

Following the ceremony, the Vatican began preparations for the conclave to elect a new pope, expected to commence in early May. The outpouring of support for Francis during his funeral underscored the necessity for his successor to continue his legacy of compassion and outreach.