More than 200,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, April 27, 2025, to attend the second Mass of mourning for the late Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, delivered a heartfelt homily during the service, calling on the faithful to embrace the Pope's legacy and embody it in their lives.
Parolin emphasized the importance of opening oneself to the mercy of God and extending that mercy to one another. He addressed the crowd, which included many young people participating in the Jubilee of Adolescents, saying, "Our affection for him, which is being expressed in these hours, should not remain a mere momentary emotion; we must embrace his legacy and make it alive, opening ourselves to God's mercy and being merciful to one another."
The Mass was dedicated to the workers and faithful of Vatican City, and the turnout was remarkable, with sources indicating that St. Peter's Square and its surroundings were completely saturated. Police had to close access points to manage the large crowd, which consisted mostly of youths who had traveled to Rome for the jubilee celebrations.
During his homily, Parolin reflected on the pain and sadness surrounding the Pope's passing, stating, "The Pastor that the Lord gave to his people, Pope Francis, has completed his earthly life and has left us." He continued, highlighting the darkness felt by many, akin to the emotional turmoil experienced by the disciples after the crucifixion of Jesus. Parolin reassured the congregation that in such moments of darkness, the light of resurrection shines through, a message that Pope Francis frequently shared during his papacy.
Parolin's words resonated with the young audience, many of whom had traveled from various parts of the world, including Italy, Europe, the United States, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Arab Emirates. He extended a special greeting to the youth, encouraging them to face the challenges of their generation, such as technology and artificial intelligence, with the hope that Jesus Christ offers.
He reminded them that with Christ, no challenge is too great, and they are never alone, even in the toughest times. "He comes to meet you where you are, to give you the courage to live, share your experiences, thoughts, gifts, and dreams," he said. Parolin urged the youth to recognize the value in others and to love their neighbors as themselves.
The Mass is part of the novendiales, a series of nine days of mourning following the death of a pontiff, during which nine Masses are celebrated in honor of the deceased. These services will continue daily until May 4, 2025, when the mourning period concludes.
Parolin also reflected on the significance of mercy, saying, "Only mercy heals and creates a new world, extinguishing the fires of distrust, hatred, and violence. This is the great teaching of Pope Francis." He emphasized that mercy is at the heart of faith and should guide how individuals relate to one another and to God.
In the context of the Jubilee of Adolescents, Parolin's homily served to inspire the youth present to carry forward the values of compassion and forgiveness that Pope Francis championed throughout his papacy. He called upon them to embrace the Pope's teachings and to ensure that their affection for him translates into action.
As the Mass concluded, Parolin expressed gratitude to the employees and faithful of Vatican City for their daily service. He conveyed a message of hope and unity, stating that Pope Francis sends his embrace from heaven to all present and to the world.
Following the Pope's death, the Vatican entered a period known as 'Sede Vacante,' the transitional phase between the death of a pontiff and the election of a new one. Cardinals from around the world are set to arrive in Rome for general congregations, the preparatory meetings leading up to the conclave to elect the next pope. The dates for the conclave have yet to be determined.
Pope Francis was buried on April 26, 2025, at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a site that holds significant meaning as he had chosen to rest there. The basilica opened to the public for visits to the Pope's tomb shortly after his burial.
As the faithful continue to gather in memory of Pope Francis, the atmosphere in St. Peter's Square remains one of mourning, reflection, and hope, with many looking to the future while honoring the legacy of a beloved leader.
