Vatican City, April 26, 2025 —
In an emotional and historic farewell, thousands of mourners lined the streets of Vatican City today as Pope Francis was laid to rest. The 88-year-old pontiff, beloved around the world for his humility, compassion, and advocacy for the poor and marginalized, passed away on Easter Monday after suffering a stroke and heart failure.
Crowds began gathering before sunrise, filling St. Peter’s Square and surrounding areas, while millions more watched the ceremony broadcast globally. World leaders, royals, and ordinary citizens stood side-by-side, paying tribute to a man often called the "Pope of the People."
The funeral Mass was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and attended by numerous dignitaries, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Prince William. Representatives from over 130 nations and religious communities were present, reflecting Pope Francis' lifelong commitment to interfaith dialogue and unity.
In accordance with his wishes for a simple farewell, Pope Francis was buried in a modest wooden coffin lined with zinc, without the ornate papal regalia traditionally associated with papal burials. He chose not to be interred in the Vatican Grottoes alongside his predecessors but instead requested to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore — a church he held dear throughout his pontificate.
The inscription on his tomb reads simply: "Franciscus."
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first Latin American and first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church. His papacy, which began in 2013, was marked by efforts to modernize Church teachings, combat sexual abuse within the clergy, champion the cause of the environment, and defend the rights of migrants and refugees.
Even in death, he broke tradition: the honor guard at his funeral included the homeless, migrants, prisoners, and members of marginalized communities, embodying the values he tirelessly promoted during his lifetime.
Over the three days prior to his funeral, nearly 250,000 people visited St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their last respects, prompting the Vatican to extend public viewing hours to accommodate the unprecedented turnout.
As bells tolled across the Vatican and hymns filled the air, tears streamed down the faces of many who had travelled from around the world to say goodbye. For many Catholics and admirers beyond the Church, Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy defined by love, humility, and a steadfast dedication to building a more inclusive world.
“He made the Church a home for all,” said one mourner. “Today, we do not just mourn a pope. We mourn a father to the forgotten.”
Pope Francis' final message, shared shortly before his passing, urged the faithful to remain united in faith, compassion, and hope — a call that resonated deeply across the world as he was laid to eternal rest.
