On a quiet, hazy Saturday morning in Rome, the world prepares to bid farewell to a transformative figure in the Catholic Church. Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, is being honored in a grand funeral service at St. Peter's Square, drawing thousands of mourners and dignitaries from across the globe.
As the sun rises, long lines of people, including teenage pilgrims, Orthodox priests, and nuns, make their way toward the Vatican. Streets surrounding the area are closed, and detours are in place, but the organization is seamless, thanks to the thousands of Italian police, firefighters, medics, volunteers, and armed forces personnel deployed for the occasion. The atmosphere is a mix of solemnity and celebration, with a blend of accents from across Italy filling the air.
Among the attendees are notable figures like First Minister John Swinney of Scotland, who has traveled to Rome to pay his respects. He joins Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Prince William, US President Donald Trump, and many other dignitaries in honoring the legacy of a man who was described as "a voice for peace, tolerance, and reconciliation." Swinney emphasized the Pope's ability to connect with people from all walks of life, stating, "On behalf of the people of Scotland, I am deeply honored to attend the funeral of Pope Francis to express my sorrow, thanks, and deep respect for the compassion, assurance, and hope that he brought to so many."
The funeral mass is set to commence at 10:00 local time (09:00 BST), presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. Following the service, Pope Francis's coffin will be transported to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he will be laid to rest, fulfilling his wishes for a simple burial.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, was elected in March 2013, becoming the first pope from Latin America. His papacy was marked by a commitment to social justice, environmental issues, and interfaith dialogue. He passed away after suffering a stroke and subsequent heart failure, having been hospitalized for various respiratory conditions, including bilateral pneumonia, earlier in the year.
As the funeral procession begins, the world watches closely. Over 130 foreign delegations are expected to attend, alongside an estimated 200,000 pilgrims. Security measures are unprecedented, with soldiers equipped to neutralize drones and rooftop snipers on standby. The presence of such a diverse group of attendees, including refugees and marginalized communities, reflects Pope Francis's inclusive vision for the Church.
Among the mourners is Aidan McCall, a 19-year-old from East Kilbride, who made a last-minute decision to attend the funeral after learning of the Pope's death. He expressed the importance of being present for such a historic event, stating, "I don't know where I'll be in life the next time an event like this happens, so I felt it was important to try and make it here."
Tom Clarke, the secretary of the Catholic Association at Glasgow University, echoed these sentiments. Having just returned from an Easter trip to Rome where he saw Pope Francis, he flew back to Italy for the funeral. "Pope Francis is all I've known from a Catholic perspective. The testimony of lots of young people, including myself, at the funeral is important to show to the world it's something that really means a lot to us," he remarked.
In addition to the prominent leaders, the funeral will also feature a unique sendoff as requested by Pope Francis. Upon arrival at Santa Maria Maggiore, a group of 40 individuals, including prisoners and homeless people, will bid farewell to the pontiff, emphasizing his lifelong dedication to the marginalized.
As the funeral mass progresses, the atmosphere is described as both somber and grateful. Bishop John Keenan of the Paisley Diocese, who has met Pope Francis several times, remarked, "The atmosphere is sombre; there's a sense we've lost a father of the universal family, and there's a sense across the world that we've lost a fairly unique leader. But it's positive as well - there's a gratefulness there too."
The Pope's funeral marks not only a moment of mourning but also a reflection on his legacy. Known for his focus on social issues, Pope Francis simplified papal funeral rites last year, specifying his desires for a modest burial. His coffin will be interred in a niche that was previously used for candlestick holders, with only his papal name inscribed in Latin: Franciscus.
As the world watches this historic event unfold, speculation arises regarding the future of the Catholic Church. Cardinals have approved nine days of mourning, with a conclave to elect the next pope not expected to begin before May 5, 2025. The outpouring of grief and respect for Pope Francis signifies the impact he had on millions around the world, and his funeral serves as a poignant reminder of his commitment to compassion and inclusivity.
In Scotland, many Catholics will follow the funeral on television, while a Requiem Mass for Pope Francis will be held at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh on Monday, April 28, 2025. Flags on Scottish government buildings will fly at half-mast during the funeral in honor of the late pontiff.
As the funeral procession makes its way through the streets of Rome, passing iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the legacy of Pope Francis continues to resonate. His call for justice, peace, and unity remains a guiding light for many, and as the world gathers to say goodbye, it is clear that his influence will endure.
