As world leaders and a multitude of mourners gathered at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis was laid to rest in a funeral marked by his desire for simplicity and humility. The service not only remembered his legacy but also contained poignant political implications with significant figures like President Trump and President Zelensky of Ukraine in attendance.
Mourners Honor Pope Francis at His Simplicity-Driven Funeral
Mourners Honor Pope Francis at His Simplicity-Driven Funeral
World leaders and thousands gather in Vatican City to remember the late pontiff, showcasing a blend of solemnity and simplicity.
April 26, 2025, 7:06 a.m. ET
Under a serene spring sky, a gathering of red-robed cardinals, dignitaries, and devoted Catholics filled St. Peter’s Square today for a poignant farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. The funeral honored a pontiff who dedicated his life to creating a more welcoming church. President Trump was spotted in attendance and was reported to have engaged in a productive side meeting with President Zelensky of Ukraine, which underscored the event's gravity amid ongoing global tensions.
Pope Francis, whose funeral was intentionally less ornate than those of his predecessors, was honored with Catholic traditional rites even as the service was fundamentally shaped by his vision of humility. Notably, the proceedings welcomed approximately 250,000 people in attendance, each reflecting on the legacy of a leader who prioritized inclusivity.
The Mass featured a simple wooden coffin before which a choir performed solemn hymns, resonating truly with the sentiments of attendees who, some arriving at the square as early as dawn, followed the service via large screens throughout the piazza. Personalities such as Former President Biden and the Argentine President Javier Milei were among those to pay their respects, along with numerous young individuals and refugees, whose struggles were championed by Francis during his 12-year papacy.
Reflecting on Francis’ wishes for a minimized ceremony, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a heartfelt homily that emphasized the importance of the pope's approach to leadership and love for all people, stating, “He was a pope among the people.” This recalled the pivotal moments of Francis' life dedicated to the support of marginalized groups, affirming the necessity of an open church community.
Following the service, his body was transported to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where he will be interred. Accompanying the procession were groups of marginalized individuals to pay tribute—a fitting gesture considering Francis’ lifelong advocacy for the overlooked.
As the College of Cardinals prepares for the historic task of electing a new leader for the Catholic Church, the mood is reflective. The funeral underscored a poignant message: that the path forward must be in line with the inclusive and humble spirit embodied by Pope Francis.
The body of Pope Francis, placed simply without grandeur, rests now beside the altar of a cherished basilica, his memory and mission preserved in the hearts of the global community. His quiet yet impactful ministry continues to echo through the lives of those he touched.
Under a serene spring sky, a gathering of red-robed cardinals, dignitaries, and devoted Catholics filled St. Peter’s Square today for a poignant farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. The funeral honored a pontiff who dedicated his life to creating a more welcoming church. President Trump was spotted in attendance and was reported to have engaged in a productive side meeting with President Zelensky of Ukraine, which underscored the event's gravity amid ongoing global tensions.
Pope Francis, whose funeral was intentionally less ornate than those of his predecessors, was honored with Catholic traditional rites even as the service was fundamentally shaped by his vision of humility. Notably, the proceedings welcomed approximately 250,000 people in attendance, each reflecting on the legacy of a leader who prioritized inclusivity.
The Mass featured a simple wooden coffin before which a choir performed solemn hymns, resonating truly with the sentiments of attendees who, some arriving at the square as early as dawn, followed the service via large screens throughout the piazza. Personalities such as Former President Biden and the Argentine President Javier Milei were among those to pay their respects, along with numerous young individuals and refugees, whose struggles were championed by Francis during his 12-year papacy.
Reflecting on Francis’ wishes for a minimized ceremony, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a heartfelt homily that emphasized the importance of the pope's approach to leadership and love for all people, stating, “He was a pope among the people.” This recalled the pivotal moments of Francis' life dedicated to the support of marginalized groups, affirming the necessity of an open church community.
Following the service, his body was transported to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where he will be interred. Accompanying the procession were groups of marginalized individuals to pay tribute—a fitting gesture considering Francis’ lifelong advocacy for the overlooked.
As the College of Cardinals prepares for the historic task of electing a new leader for the Catholic Church, the mood is reflective. The funeral underscored a poignant message: that the path forward must be in line with the inclusive and humble spirit embodied by Pope Francis.
The body of Pope Francis, placed simply without grandeur, rests now beside the altar of a cherished basilica, his memory and mission preserved in the hearts of the global community. His quiet yet impactful ministry continues to echo through the lives of those he touched.
