On Saturday, April 26, 2025, people from around the world came together in Rome to honour Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
The funeral drew 400,000 mourners, including pilgrims, refugees, world leaders, and royalty, filling St. Peter’s Square and the nearby streets. The wooden coffin of the late pope was carried out of St. Peter’s Basilica to loud applause for an open-air ceremony under a bright blue sky.
Pope Francis, remembered as “a pope among the people,” died after a stroke and heart failure. His funeral was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who praised Francis for his care for immigrants, his calls for peace, and his concern for the environment. The service, attended by leaders from more than 150 countries, lasted 90 minutes and included 220 cardinals, 750 bishops, and over 4,000 priests.
Pilgrims like Rosa Cirielli, who traveled from southern Italy, said Pope Francis gave people hope during hard times. Among the world leaders attending were U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William, and Christopher Luxon.
After the mass, Pope Francis’s final journey through Rome took him past famous landmarks like the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. His coffin was then brought to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, a church he loved deeply.
Waiting to say goodbye were prisoners, refugees, homeless people, and others Pope Francis had supported during his life. In a private ceremony, his coffin was blessed and placed in a small tomb inside the basilica, instead of the traditional burial under St. Peter’s.
