Thousands of mourners gathered at the Vatican and across Rome to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church and a champion of the poor.
Crowds began arriving overnight, rushing into St Peter’s Square when barriers opened early in the morning. By the time the funeral began, most seats were filled. Authorities prepared for an expected 200,000 attendees with tight security, including a no-fly zone, rooftop snipers, and fighter jets on standby.
Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88, led the Catholic Church for 12 years, advocating for greater inclusivity and compassion. During his papacy, he welcomed the marginalized, blessed same-sex couples, and embraced migrants, actions that earned him admiration and controversy alike.
World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and Argentina’s Javier Milei, were present for the funeral. Despite political tensions during his lifetime, many came to honor Francis’s legacy of humility and humanity.
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Francis chose a simple burial, requesting to be placed in a wooden coffin and laid to rest in his favorite church, Santa Maria Maggiore, rather than within Vatican walls. His funeral marks the beginning of nine days of official mourning before a new pope will be elected.
Known for his refusal to judge others, his care for the vulnerable, and his stand against global injustices, Pope Francis left a profound impact on the Catholic Church and the world. His final blessing, given on Easter Sunday just a day before his death, was a prayer for the protection of the marginalized, reflecting the values that defined his life and papacy.