Global Catholics Gather in Vatican for Pope Francis’ Funeral
Vatican City, April 26, 2025 — Tens of thousands of Catholic pilgrims from every corner of the world converged on St. Peter’s Square today to bid farewell to Pope Francis, whose funeral Mass marked a solemn and historic moment for the global Catholic Church. The beloved pontiff, known for his humility, compassion, and inclusive vision, was mourned by an estimated 250,000 attendees, including cardinals, clergy, lay faithful, and dignitaries from over 130 countries. The funeral, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, was a profound testament to Francis’ universal appeal and his call to welcome “everyone, everyone, everyone.”
A Global Pilgrimage to Honor a Humble Pope
The funeral followed a three-day period of public viewing from April 23 to April 25, during which approximately 250,000 mourners filed through St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects. Pope Francis’ body, dressed in simple white vestments and laid in a plain wooden coffin, reflected the humility that defined his papacy. Pilgrims, some waiting in line for over six hours, expressed deep emotion as they viewed the late pontiff. Ivenes Bianco, a pilgrim from southern Italy, shared, “Seeing him there, so peaceful, reminded me of his words about living together in harmony. He was a father to us all.”
The gates of Vatican City opened at 6 a.m. today, prompting a rush of pilgrims to secure spots in St. Peter’s Square. By mid-morning, the square was filled with a diverse crowd representing the Church’s 1.4 billion members. Attendees hailed from varied geographical, social, political, and cultural backgrounds, embodying the inclusive spirit Francis championed throughout his 12-year papacy. Flags from nations across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania waved in the crowd, alongside banners bearing messages of gratitude for the Pope’s teachings on mercy, justice, and care for the marginalized.
A Solemn and Multilingual Mass
The funeral Mass, broadcast live to millions worldwide, was a rich tapestry of Catholic tradition and global unity. Celebrated in Latin and Italian, the liturgy included prayers in Arabic, Polish, Portuguese, and Chinese, underscoring the Church’s universal reach. Cardinal Re, in his homily, praised Francis as a “shepherd who walked with the poor and the forgotten,” urging the faithful to carry forward his legacy of compassion and dialogue. The Mass was attended by 250 cardinals, hundreds of bishops and priests, and representatives of religious orders, alongside 50 heads of state, 10 reigning monarchs, and other diplomatic envoys.
The Vatican’s meticulous planning ensured the event proceeded smoothly, with Italian authorities bolstering security and providing water stations to accommodate the warm April weather. Italy had anticipated at least 200,000 foreign visitors, and the influx of pilgrims transformed Rome into a hub of mourning and reflection. The funeral was not only a religious milestone but also a significant diplomatic event, given the Holy See’s status as a sovereign entity with ties to over 180 nations.
A Final Journey Through Rome
Following the Mass, Pope Francis’ coffin was carried in a slow procession from St. Peter’s Square to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, approximately four kilometers away, for burial. The route, lined with thousands of Romans and visitors, allowed the people of Rome to bid farewell to their bishop. Francis had often visited St. Mary Major to pray before the icon of the Virgin Salus Populi Romani, and his burial there fulfilled his expressed wish to rest in a place dear to his heart. The procession, accompanied by hymns and prayers, was a poignant moment for the city, with many onlookers visibly moved.
The funeral marked the beginning of the Novemdiales, a nine-day period of mourning during which daily Masses will be offered for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul. These liturgies, held in churches across Rome and worldwide, will provide further opportunities for the faithful to honor his memory.
A Legacy of Inclusion and Hope
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th pope from March 13, 2013, until his passing earlier this month. His papacy was marked by a focus on the poor, environmental stewardship, interfaith dialogue, and reform within the Church. His approachable demeanor and rejection of papal pomp—seen in his preference for a modest Fiat over a limousine—endeared him to millions. Yet, his calls for inclusivity and his critiques of global inequality also sparked debate, making him a polarizing figure in some circles.
As the Catholic Church enters a period of transition, with a conclave to elect a new pope expected in the coming weeks, the world reflects on Francis’ enduring impact. Pilgrims like Maria Gonzalez, who traveled from Mexico, expressed hope that his vision would endure: “He taught us to love without borders. I pray the next pope will follow his example.”
The funeral of Pope Francis was more than a farewell; it was a celebration of a life dedicated to bridging divides and uplifting the marginalized. As St. Peter’s Square emptied and the global Catholic community returned home, the echoes of Francis’ message of mercy and unity lingered, a guiding light for the Church’s future.
