In a profoundly emotional and historic ceremony, Pope Francis was laid to rest today at St. Peter’s Basilica, with over 250,000 mourners from around the world filling Vatican City to bid farewell to one of the most beloved pontiffs of the modern era.
The atmosphere at St. Peter’s Square was somber yet deeply reverent as pilgrims, religious leaders, and heads of state gathered for the funeral mass, led by senior members of the College of Cardinals. The funeral marked the end of a remarkable papacy that redefined the Catholic Church’s message around mercy, inclusion, and humility.
Throughout the service, prayers were offered in multiple languages, reflecting Pope Francis’ lifelong commitment to a truly global Church. His casket, simple and unadorned as per his wishes, was carried through the square amidst tearful hymns and the tolling of the great Vatican bells.
Among the prominent world leaders present were U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Prince William representing the British monarchy. In a Vanity Fair article, royal expert Katie Nicholl explained that King Charles did not attend the funeral “in accordance with protocol and precedence which dictates that the Sovereign does not attend funerals.”
From Africa, several presidents attended, including:
- Angola: President Joao Lourenco
- Cape Verde: President Jose Maria Neves
- Central African Republic: President Faustin-Archange Touadera
- Democratic Republic of Congo: President Felix Tshisekedi
- Gabon: President Brice Oligui Nguema
Other dignitaries included German Chancellor Annalena Baerbock, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and delegations from across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
From Uganda, Rt. Hon. Speaker Anita Annet Among represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and led the Ugandan delegation. Speaker Among, a devout Catholic who had previously met Pope Francis during private audiences, paid her final respects during a moving moment at St. Peter’s Basilica earlier in the day.
Many mourners, some of whom had traveled thousands of miles, held candles, flags, and portraits of the late pontiff. Across the world, Catholic churches rang their bells simultaneously, honoring a man who will be remembered for championing the poor, advocating for climate action, defending refugees, and striving to bridge gaps between faiths.
Security across Rome and Vatican City was heightened, with thousands of Italian police, Vatican security, and international agents ensuring the safety of the high-profile funeral.
In his homily, Cardinal Pietro Parolin praised Pope Francis’s life of service, describing him as “the shepherd who smelled like his sheep, the voice of the voiceless, and the heart of a wounded world.”
The funeral concluded with the singing of the ancient hymn, the “Salve Regina,” as the late pope’s coffin was lowered into the crypt beneath Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, where he joins some of his predecessors.
