Tens of thousands of mourners gathered at St Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully at the age of 88. The Argentinian pontiff, known for his humility and closeness to life of the poor, left a profound impression on all human beings. His passing reverberated beyond the circles of committed Catholics to many — if not most — non-believers who saw its importance. In response, the Vatican and Italian authorities activated an unprecedented security effort to ensure the day’s safety and sanctity. As a consequence, Rome changed, regaining its name as “capital of the world” in this superlative world’s last hurrah.
The funeral of Pope Francis in St Peter’s square that square and that space once more served as the epicenter of Catholicism. The viewable open coffin at St Peter’s Basilica attracted huge queues as people lined up to bid farewell. Almost all of the attendees expressed their sadness for the pope. They shared fierce pride in him, as an unwavering beacon of hope for all who fight against persecution and inequity.
In advance of the funeral, an enormous police force, including state troopers and national guardsmen, was deployed across the city. In addition, thousands of police and armed services members were deployed, including on the river patrol units, bomb-sniffing dogs, and rooftop snipers. This huge joint operation was a strong reflection of the significance of the event and helped keep everyone safe and secure.
Pope Francis was hailed as a transformational leader and a revolutionary figure, especially among progressives, inside the Catholic Church. As the first pope from Argentina, he came from “the end of the world” and brought a fresh perspective to the papacy. Maria Elena, his sister, recalled their youth living in grim conditions. She underscored how their parenting influenced his empathetic behavior with everyone he encountered.
As Father Ramez Twal observed, for people from the Holy Land, it was an emotional moment.
“It’s amazing that we as a group from the Holy Land get to say the last goodbye for our late Pope Francis,” – Father Ramez Twal
The deep admiration for Pope Francis went beyond religious lines. Caislyn, a friend who was attending the funeral, shows up in shock that she’s attending a funeral and breaks down reflecting on his legacy.
“For us, it’s a really emotional moment to say thank you to him for being with us during this terrible time in the Holy Land.”
As mourners gathered in St Peter’s Square, many commented on the unusual mood that has settled over the city. Just three days into the program, Elena noticed a palpable difference in the air.
“He gave such a great example to the world,” – Caislyn
Lina set the tone for the week. She observed that it was not the tragic or the celebratory, but suggested an introspective quality.
“There are big crowds around but I have felt everything was a bit quieter, there is something different in the air,” – Elena
While Pope Francis garnered admiration for his dedication to social justice and outreach to marginalized communities, some attendees noted the contrast between wealth and poverty surrounding them.
“It’s a chance for people to think, to reflect, and I think that’s much needed,” – Lina
He further shared how he saw the indifference of clergy toward people without homes during this time of great mourning.
“So it remains shocking, the wealth of these churches around us and the poverty of the people sleeping on their doorsteps,” – Brazilian priest
In spite of all these realities, many of those gathered felt reassured by the words of Pope Francis. What came across most from Father Ramez Twal was how profoundly he changed their lives.
“I saw a woman who was walking almost bent over, and people in clergy clothes completely ignored her,” – Brazilian priest
As part of the final farewell, Pope Francis’s coffin was set to make a two-hour journey from St Peter’s Basilica to its resting place. This funeral procession gave millions the opportunity to pay their respects to her one last time. Dirk, looking back on that day, said he knew it wouldn’t last.
“He means a lot to me because he gave us a spiritual way of thinking; he had a love he gave for all and taught us to respect each other. We will miss him.” – Father Ramez Twal
As Rome and the global Catholic community continue to process Pope Francis’s legacy, it’s an opinion shared by many who think his influence will be felt for years, long past his current term as pope. He never lost touch with his roots. Yet despite his ascent to one of the most powerful positions within the Church, he remained humble and focused on the work of enriching the lives of the poor.
“It might just be temporary; it’ll probably be over by Monday,” – Dirk
As Rome and the global Catholic community reflect on Pope Francis’s legacy, many agree that his influence will resonate far beyond his tenure as pope. He never forgot where he came from, and even as he ascended to one of the highest roles in the Church, he remained grounded and committed to uplifting those less fortunate.
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