In a solemn and majestic ceremony held on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Catholic Church commemorated the life of Pope Francis on Saturday. The first South American pope, Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, left a profound impact on the Church and the world during his twelve-year tenure. His simple style and pastoral vision not only reinvigorated the institution but also sparked significant debates and divisions.
During the funeral service, heads of state, royals, and religious leaders gathered alongside an array of Catholic prelates adorned in brilliant red robes. Together, they surrounded a closed cypress coffin that held the body of Pope Francis. The solemn atmosphere was accentuated by the sight of an open book of the gospels fanned gently in the breeze atop his coffin, symbolizing his dedication to the faith.
As the funeral proceedings unfolded, hundreds of thousands of devoted followers filled St. Peter’s Square, spilling out into the surrounding streets and streaming down the long avenue towards the Tiber River. In the days leading up to the funeral, around 250,000 people patiently waited in long lines to pay their final respects to the beloved pope. His body was dressed in traditional red vestments and scuffed black shoes, lying in state before the altar of the basilica.
During the Requiem Mass, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, delivered a heartfelt homily that captured the essence of Pope Francis's mission. “The guiding thread of his mission was also the conviction that the church is a home for all, a home with its doors always open,” he remarked, highlighting the pope's vision of inclusivity and compassion within the Church.
The legacy of Pope Francis will undoubtedly continue to influence the Roman Catholic Church and its followers around the globe, as his teachings resonate with many who seek a more open and welcoming faith community.
