Pope Francis was laid to rest today after an emotional funeral attended by an estimated 250,000 people at St. Peter’s Square.
Remembered around the world for his humanity and humility, Francis was later entombed at Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who led the funeral service, praised the late pontiff for leading with “an open heart toward everyone.”
The roughly two-hour service was rich in tradition and symbolism, with more than 100 delegations, including reigning monarchs and global leaders, in attendance.
It came six days after Pope Francis’ final public appearance on Easter Sunday.
Among significant moments at the Vatican today was a high-level meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump.
The two leaders met inside St. Peter’s Basilica before the funeral service, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Across the globe, Catholics and admirers of Pope Francis gathered to commemorate his life and legacy.
In India, nuns in white and blue habits filled the pews of the Cathedral of The Most Holy Rosary in Kolkata.
In Britain, worshipers attended multiple Masses at London’s Westminster Cathedral, while in the Philippines, children offered white flowers in tribute.
The late pontiff, who became the first Latin American pope in history, left a profound impact on the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion followers.
“He was one of the best popes I’ve ever seen. He was very kind and he was always looking for the poor, the marginalized,” said Nesta Munyoro, a 61-year-old nurse from Zimbabwe, who regularly attends Westminster Cathedral.
“He didn’t come for the good ones, he came for the ones who are lost. I wish I could be like him,” she added.
Scenes from around the world captured the outpouring of grief and respect:
- In Dili, East Timor, Catholic believers held candles during a requiem mass at the Esplanade of Tasitolu.
- In London, patrons at Bar Italia watched the funeral broadcast together.
- In Buenos Aires, Argentina, mourners lit candles during a vigil.
- In Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, parishioners gathered for a special Mass at a local Catholic Church.
- In Colombo, Sri Lanka, families watched a live telecast of the Vatican funeral.
- In Quezon City, Philippines, Filipino Catholics offered flowers during a live broadcast of the funeral.
- In Pretoria, South Africa, clergy members assembled after a requiem Mass at St. Pius X Catholic Church.
The final farewell to Pope Francis reflected not just a religious event but a moment of global unity, echoing the values he lived by — compassion, justice, and hope for the marginalized.
