Pope Francis remembered at his funeral as ‘pope among the people’ who aimed to ‘build bridges’

Pope Francis was laid to rest in a solemn funeral ceremony attended by thousands of mourners in St. Peter’s Square. The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, delivered a moving homily, paying tribute to the pontiff’s legacy of “strength and serenity” inspired by St. Francis of Assisi.

In his remarks, Cardinal Re expressed gratitude for the outpouring of affection and respect shown by people from around the world following Pope Francis’ passing. He highlighted the late pontiff’s unwavering commitment to serving the Church and spreading the message of love and mercy.

Pope Francis’ pontificate was marked by a deep sense of compassion and a dedication to addressing the challenges of the modern world. His pastoral leadership style, influenced by his namesake St. Francis of Assisi, emphasized humility, simplicity, and a profound love for all people.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis made it a priority to reach out to the marginalized and vulnerable, advocating for peace, justice, and solidarity. His numerous apostolic journeys, including a historic visit to Iraq in 2021, demonstrated his commitment to fostering dialogue and reconciliation in conflict-ridden regions.

The late pontiff’s emphasis on mercy, forgiveness, and fraternity resonated with people of all faiths and backgrounds. His encyclicals and messages called for a renewed sense of unity and shared responsibility in caring for the planet and building a more just and peaceful world.

As Pope Francis is laid to rest, the faithful are called to remember his words and actions, continuing to pray for his soul and seek inspiration from his exemplary life. May his legacy of compassion and service guide the Church and the world towards a brighter future filled with hope and love.