Sat Apr 26 12:24:50 UTC 2025: ## World Mourns Pope Francis at Grand Vatican Funeral
VATICAN CITY – Hundreds of thousands gathered at the Vatican today for the funeral of Pope Francis, a ceremony attended by world leaders and the marginalized communities he championed throughout his papacy. From US President Donald Trump to representatives of some 60 nations, global dignitaries paid their respects to the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope. The Vatican specifically highlighted the presence of “a group of the poor and needy,” reflecting Francis’s unwavering dedication to those on the margins of society. This commitment, symbolized by his choice of the name Francis – after St. Francis of Assisi, known for his renunciation of wealth – was a hallmark of his nearly ten-year pontificate.
Over three days, millions filed past Francis’s body, which lay in state in a simple wooden coffin within St. Peter’s Basilica. His legacy, celebrated worldwide, is defined by his advocacy for migrants and environmental protection. While he garnered widespread praise for his inclusive approach, his record on clergy sexual abuse and LGBTQ+ issues remains a subject of mixed opinions, with some praising his efforts towards greater inclusion while others criticizing them as insufficient. Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88. He will be buried in the church of St. Mary Major.
First Piper 