Sat Apr 26 09:00:00 UTC 2025: **Hundreds of Thousands Gather in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’ Funeral**
VATICAN CITY – An estimated 500,000 people filled St. Peter’s Square and surrounding areas today for the funeral of Pope Francis, a testament to the late pontiff’s global impact. The ceremony, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, was marked by moments of both solemnity and applause.
Cardinal Re’s homily highlighted Pope Francis’ commitment to social justice, referencing his visits to Lampedusa (highlighting the migrant crisis), Lesbos (with ecumenical leaders), and the US-Mexico border. The most enthusiastic applause erupted when the cardinal called for an end to war.
The funeral Mass, a traditional liturgical ceremony including readings from the Acts of the Apostles and the Letter to the Philippians, featured an offertory procession and hymns. Eighteen-year-old Anna Lamberti from Milan, who attended the recently concluded Jubilee for Teenagers, described the Pope as attentive and loving.
Following the Mass, Pope Francis’ coffin was carried through Rome’s streets, passing by crowds lining the route, in a four-mile procession to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore – a church the Pope visited frequently. Poor and marginalized communities, a group Pope Francis specifically cared for, were present to welcome him at the basilica.
World leaders, including President Biden, President Trump, Prince William, and numerous other heads of state and royalty, attended the funeral. The event saw a substantial security presence, with thousands of police and volunteers deployed. The Vatican published the order of service in both English and Italian.
The funeral concludes a series of rituals dating back over two millennia, documented in the “Ordo exsequiarum Romani pontificis.” The selection of Pope Francis’ successor will commence soon with the conclave of cardinals.
First Piper 