On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Argentina bid farewell to Pope Francis with a large service held in Buenos Aires, where thousands gathered at Plaza de Mayo to honor their countryman on the day of his burial in Rome. The event took place under mild autumn weather, reflecting the somber yet celebratory mood of the occasion.
During the service, Archbishop García Cuerva of Buenos Aires described Pope Francis as the "Father of all," emphasizing that his death left a deep wound in the hearts of the faithful. In a poignant moment, he expressed, "We cry because we feel his physical departure, because we feel orphaned, and because we already miss his voice, his gaze, and his gestures." This heartfelt tribute resonated with many present, as they collectively embraced around the Plaza de Mayo in a symbolic gesture of farewell.
The ceremony attracted notable political figures, including Argentina's Vice President Victoria Villarruel, the Mayor of Buenos Aires Jorge Macri, and the Governor of Buenos Aires Axel Kicillof. However, President Javier Milei was absent from the Buenos Aires service as he attended the funeral proceedings in the Vatican.
Following the service in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis was laid to rest in the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The burial ceremony was brief and intimate, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, and attended by around 50 clerics and close associates of the Pope. Before the burial, the coffin was placed before the Marien-Ikone "Salus Populi Romani," a significant gesture that underscored Francis's deep connection to the Virgin Mary.
As the coffin was lowered into the ground, the Latin hymn "Salve Regina" was sung, a tradition that added a layer of solemnity to the moment. The grave itself is unadorned, marked only by the name of Pope Francis, and will be accessible to pilgrims starting Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Notably, Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, also attended the funeral in Rome with his wife Stella and their two sons. Stella shared on social media that they came to express gratitude for the Pope's support during Julian's persecution, highlighting a meeting they had with him in June 2023 where they discussed Julian's situation. She noted that Pope Francis had sent her husband a letter and even offered him asylum in the Vatican.
In the wake of Pope Francis's passing, German Cardinal Reinhard Marx commented on the upcoming conclave, stating that it would not be a choice between progressive or conservative viewpoints, but rather a matter of credibility. He remarked on the crisis facing the Church, which has over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, and expressed the need for a successor who embodies courage and a deep commitment to the Gospel. Marx anticipates that the conclave will be brief, as has been the trend since the 1960s.
Bishop Georg Bätzing, Chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, expressed hope for a new Pope who would continue and develop the vision of Pope Francis, particularly regarding dialogue within the Church. He acknowledged that while Francis did not halt the Synodal Way in Germany, his approach to discussion was unfamiliar to many in the country.
The funeral procession through Rome was a significant event, drawing an estimated 150,000 onlookers along the streets. The actual funeral ceremony at St. Peter's Square saw approximately 250,000 attendees, with Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi confirming that the total number of people participating in the events reached around 400,000.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid tribute to Pope Francis, noting his concern for the disadvantaged and the environment. She stated, "Pope Francis reminded us that love must reach the edges and embraced the less fortunate, including the displaced, the forgotten, and those without a voice." She described his legacy as one of mercy, justice, and hope, which will continue to illuminate paths forward.
Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier reflected on Pope Francis's character, describing him as a merciful and humble man who connected deeply with people. He recounted his own encounters with the Pope, emphasizing the ease of conversation and the impact of Francis's spontaneous humor and deep faith. Steinmeier posed a thought-provoking question about the political role of a Pope, suggesting that Francis's active engagement with political issues demonstrated his commitment to the marginalized.
Georg Bätzing characterized the funeral mass as "very, very moving," noting its simplicity and the profound sense of closure it offered attendees. He praised Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re's sermon, which received applause four times as it addressed the core messages of Pope Francis: the Church's openness to all, the need for building bridges rather than walls, and the responsibility towards creation and migrants.
The burial in Santa Maria Maggiore, chosen by Pope Francis himself, marked a departure from tradition as he became the first Pope since Leo XIII to forgo burial in the Vatican grottoes. This basilica holds a special significance for Francis, who often prayed before the Marienikone "Salus Populi Romani" before and after his travels. In his spiritual testament, he requested to rest in the basilica, reflecting his lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, the messages of compassion and inclusivity that he championed resonate strongly within the global community. His legacy, marked by a commitment to the marginalized and a call for unity, continues to inspire hope and action among believers and non-believers alike.
