World Bids Farewell To Pope Francis In Historic Funeral

Today, April 26, 2025, the world bids farewell to Pope Francis during a grand funeral ceremony held at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. The event, which commenced at 10:00 AM Polish time, is attended by approximately 200,000 faithful and dignitaries from over 130 countries, including 50 heads of state.

The funeral mass is being presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. The Pope, who passed away on Easter Monday at 7:35 AM after battling bilateral pneumonia, is being honored in a ceremony that reflects his humble nature. The funeral rites follow a simplified format, emphasizing that this is a farewell to a shepherd and disciple of Christ, rather than a ruler.

As the ceremony unfolds, the atmosphere at St. Peter's Square is one of solemnity and reverence. The area was opened to the public early this morning, with many people having camped overnight to secure their place to pay their last respects. Security measures are extraordinarily tight, with hundreds of police officers and military personnel ensuring order. Snipers are stationed on rooftops, and a drone protection system is in operation to safeguard the event.

After the mass, the Pope's coffin will be transported to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he will be buried in accordance with his wishes. The funeral procession will cover a distance of about six kilometers, moving at a slow pace of 5-10 kilometers per hour to allow attendees along the route to say their goodbyes. The procession is expected to last approximately one hour.

In attendance are notable figures including U.S. President Donald Trump, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The delegation from Argentina, the Pope's homeland, is led by President Javier Milei, followed closely by the Italian delegation, which includes Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Other leaders present include French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Representatives from the European Union, such as Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, the President of the European Council, are also in attendance. The presence of over 160 official delegations underscores the global impact Pope Francis had during his pontificate.

Before the coffin reaches its final resting place, it will be greeted by a group of poor and homeless individuals, a gesture that highlights the Pope's commitment to the marginalized during his service. This poignant moment reflects his belief in the dignity of every person, regardless of their circumstances.

The burial will take place in a private ceremony led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. The Pope's final resting place is a simple grave, as per his wishes, marked only with the inscription 'Franciscus' and crafted from Ligurian stone, honoring his family heritage.

Pope Francis's body lay in state at St. Peter's Basilica from Wednesday morning until Friday evening, allowing approximately a quarter of a million people to pay their respects. The papal coffin was closed on Friday evening, following the Pope's request to include a bag of coins minted during his papacy and a 'rogito', a document summarizing his life and achievements.

As the world watches this historic farewell, the significance of Pope Francis's legacy is palpable. He is remembered not just as a spiritual leader, but as a voice for the voiceless, advocating for social justice, peace, and compassion throughout his papacy.

In Poland, the day of the funeral has been declared a national day of mourning, allowing many to participate in the ceremonies without needing to take time off work. This reflects the deep connection the Polish people feel towards Pope Francis, who visited the country multiple times during his tenure.

The funeral of Pope Francis marks the first burial of a pope outside of Vatican City in over 120 years, a testament to his unique approach to the papacy and his desire to remain connected to the people he served. As the procession makes its way through the streets of Rome, it serves as a final journey for a man who dedicated his life to serving others, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.

As the ceremony concludes, the world is reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many. Pope Francis's message of love, humility, and service will continue to inspire people around the globe, long after the final prayers have been said.