Emphasizing Pope Francis' legacy, a gathering of dignitaries and pilgrims celebrates his calls for compassion and bridge-building amidst global turmoil.
**Global Mourning: Farewell to Pope Francis, a Champion for Peace**
**Global Mourning: Farewell to Pope Francis, a Champion for Peace**
A poignant goodbye to Pope Francis draws tens of thousands as world leaders reflect on his message of unity.
Pope Francis has been laid to rest in Rome following a grand funeral attended by hundreds of thousands, including numerous global heads of state. The 88-year-old Pope, who served for 12 years as the first South American pontiff, passed away earlier this week, leaving a profound impact on those he served. As the morning fog lifted over the Italian capital, diverse lines of teenage pilgrims, nuns, clergy, and visitors made their way in hushed reverence toward the Vatican, with streets around St Peter's Basilica closed for the massive gathering.
Italian authorities mobilized over 8,000 police, alongside firefighters and medics, to ensure safety as dignitaries from around the world participated in the ceremony. Excited attendees arrived at dawn, eager for a front-row view, with individuals like Jessica from Mexico noting the personal significance of attending this historic event.
As world leaders took their places at the altar, professional photographers captured images of momentous encounters like that between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. Their brief pre-service meeting, described by Zelensky as potentially historic, dominated social media, reflecting the importance of the gathering amid ongoing global conflicts.
St. Peter's Square transformed into a colorful spectacle, with clergy in bright red robes and pilgrims wearing vivid summer attire. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presided over the proceedings, leading liturgical traditions that emphasized intercession for peace, particularly highlighting Pope Francis' advocacy for migrants and peaceful resolutions to conflict. His call for building bridges rather than walls echoes strongly against the backdrop of the attending dignitaries.
As the funeral mass reached its emotional apex, thousands applauded significant moments, including the simple wooden coffin's unveiling. During the communion, a procession of priests distributed wafers, as Cardinal Re blessed the Pope's coffin, ensuring the ceremonial honors paid homage to Francis’ enduring legacy.
Following the service, world leaders departed, while the Pope's coffin was transported through Rome in a solemn procession, greeted by an estimated 140,000 onlookers who clapped and waved. The hearse, painted white and converted from a 'popemobile', passed iconic Roman landmarks, culminating in burial at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
As the day concluded with a sense of unity and nostalgia among attendees, reflections poured in on the moments shared and the messages advocated by the late Pope. The city now prepares for a significant conclave, anticipated to begin shortly after the mandated nine days of mourning, where 135 cardinals will convene to elect a successor—one of the largest elections in modern papal history, as speculation swirls around potential candidates for the next Pope.
