World leaders, dignitaries, and thousands of mourners converged at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Saturday to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
The solemn ceremony drew a remarkable gathering of global figures, including presidents, royalty, and religious leaders, all assembled to honor the transformative and compassionate legacy of the Pope often referred to as “the people’s pope.”
Among the leading dignitaries were:
- Donald Trump, President of the United States;
- Emmanuel Macron, President of France;
- Alexander Stubb, President of Finland;
- Karin Keller-Sutter, President of Switzerland;
- Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife, Olena Zelenska, from Ukraine;
- Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland;
- Tomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament;
- Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President.
The seating was arranged according to diplomatic tradition, with Argentina (Pope Francis’ homeland) and Italy receiving front positions, followed by other countries in alphabetical order based on the French language, recognized globally as the language of diplomacy.
A Final Farewell to a Transformative Leader
Pope Francis, who led 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, died of a stroke just weeks after battling respiratory illnesses. Despite his frailty, he thrilled worshippers with a surprising outing in his popemobile on Easter Sunday, demonstrating his enduring spirit.
During the funeral Mass, attended by about 250 cardinals, patriarchs, bishops, and lay people, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, delivered a heartfelt homily.
“He established direct contact with individuals and peoples, eager to be close to everyone, with a marked attention to those in difficulty, giving himself without measure, especially to the marginalised,” Cardinal Re said.
Pope Francis’ coffin, a simple wooden casket adorned with a large cross, was carried into the Basilica by white-gloved pallbearers as the crowd erupted in applause and the Basilica’s bells tolled solemnly across Vatican City.
Following the Mass, the coffin was placed on an open-air popemobile, leading a motorcade through the streets of Rome lined with emotional, cheering crowds, before reaching his final resting place outside the Vatican walls.
Pope Francis’ 12-year papacy was marked by deep compassion for the poor, a determined push for Church reforms, and a focus on inclusivity, often facing resistance from traditionalist factions within the Catholic Church.
As the world mourns, his enduring message of hope, humility, and service will continue to resonate among millions seeking solace in faith and compassion.
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