Key moments from Pope Francis’ funeral as mourners bid farewell to late pontiff
Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, was laid to rest on Saturday at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. The funeral ceremony was attended by more than 250,000 people, including world leaders and young individuals, marking a significant moment in our political landscape.
During the funeral, Pope Francis was remembered as a compassionate and humble leader who emulated the values of St. Francis of Assisi. The Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, delivered a heartfelt homily, praising Francis for his dedication to serving the marginalized and disadvantaged in society.
One of the standout moments of the funeral was the presence of thousands of young people in St. Peter’s Square. Around 80,000 teenagers had registered for the Jubilee of Teenagers, a special event organized during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year of 2025. This event, which had been scheduled for Friday and Sunday, underwent some modifications due to the death of Pope Francis.
The funeral procession of Pope Francis was a solemn yet uplifting event, with the crowd applauding as his coffin was brought out of the basilica. American journalist Kielce Gussie, 28, delivered the first reading in English during the ceremony, symbolizing the inclusivity and diversity of the Church.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accompanied by his wife Olena Zelenska, also received applause from the crowd. Zelenskyy, known for his leadership during Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, had a productive meeting with former President Donald Trump prior to the funeral.
As the coffin of Pope Francis was carried back into the basilica, the sound of tolling bells filled the air, signifying the end of the funeral ceremony. The poignant image of the pages of the Book of Gospels fluttering in the wind atop the pope’s coffin added a spiritual and symbolic touch to the proceedings.
Thousands of mourners lined the streets of Rome as the funeral procession made its way from St. Peter’s Basilica to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. The sight of Francis’ coffin on a white pickup truck passing by iconic landmarks like the Roman Forum and the Colosseum was a poignant moment for all in attendance.
In conclusion, the funeral of Pope Francis was a reflection of his legacy of humility, compassion, and service to humanity. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who were touched by his teachings and actions.
