Thousands Gather in Vatican to Honor Pope Francis
VENICE—More than 250,000 mourners, including prominent religious and political figures, gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to pay tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 88. The funeral service commenced at St. Peter’s Basilica at 10 a.m. local time, lasting over two hours, and was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who delivered a heartfelt eulogy highlighting the late pontiff’s sensitivity and commitment to peace.
Francis, the first Latin American pope, was remembered for his dedication to advocating for peace in war-torn regions throughout his papacy. Following the service, his modest coffin was transported via the white popemobile across the River Tiber, destined for entombment at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a prominent landmark in Rome.
The event marked one of the largest assemblies of world leaders in recent memory, with 130 delegations in attendance. Notable figures included Argentine President Javier Milei, British Prince William, and U.S. President Donald Trump, who had a productive bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky just before the ceremony.
Security was heightened around the Vatican, with over 2,000 police personnel, sharpshooters, and specialized forces deployed to ensure safety.
In his touching sermon, Cardinal Re remarked on Pope Francis’ relentless advocacy for communities besieged by conflict, urging for peace amidst the devastation witnessed in places like Gaza and Ukraine. Mourners included a diverse array of young pilgrims from across the world, showcasing the pope’s wide-reaching impact. While some liberal supporters felt he could have pursued further reforms, many acknowledged his transformative legacy within the Catholic Church, encompassing over 1.4 billion believers.
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