The funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square drew thousands of devoted mourners, some sleeping overnight on the streets to secure a spot, eager to honor a leader whose compassion reached the most vulnerable. On Saturday, as dawn broke, attendees began filling the square, waiting for world leaders and dignitaries to arrive near an altar in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.
This gathering resembled a head of state’s funeral with cardinals and global dignitaries present, yet the atmosphere was deeply personal for many. “He was not just a pope; he was like a father to us migrants,” expressed Virginia Munos Ramires, 30, from El Salvador, signifying the deep connection Francis had with those he represented. Attendees donned a variety of outfits, from formal wear to Argentina’s soccer jerseys and traditional clothing from nations like Poland and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Loud applause erupted as Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, officiating the Mass, recalled that Pope Francis' inaugural trip was to Lampedusa, the site emblematic of the urgent migration crisis faced in Europe. Cardinal Re emphasized the late pope’s unwavering dedication to serving the marginalized, highlighting the choice Francis made to embody compassion and humanity in a world often indifferent to suffering. The tribute served as a testament to Pope Francis’ enduring legacy of love and service for the most disadvantaged populations.
