Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His funeral was held on April 26 in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, drawing an estimated 250,000 attendees, including numerous world leaders and dignitaries. The ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and reflected Pope Francis’s commitment to humility and inclusivity.
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis was interred at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, making him the first pope since Leo XIII in 1903 to be buried outside the Vatican. The final farewell included a poignant moment where approximately 40 marginalized individuals—such as the poor, homeless, prisoners, migrants, and transgender people—paid their respects, symbolizing his lifelong dedication to serving the marginalized.
The funeral also served as a platform for diplomatic interactions, including a brief meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting potential progress toward a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Pope Francis’s 12-year papacy was marked by efforts to bridge divides, advocate for the poor, and promote a more inclusive Catholic Church. His funeral encapsulated these values, emphasising participation over performance and highlighting the human aspects of Catholic ritual.
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