The funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away this week at the age of 88, was held in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, drawing a significant crowd.
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Who Attended?
Anticipation surrounded the ceremony as over 200,000 individuals were expected to gather in the spacious square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. Among the attendees were leaders from Ireland, Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Ukraine, Brazil, the European Union, and the Pope’s homeland, Argentina. This diverse representation speaks to the global impact of his papacy.
The Pope’s Casket
Pope Francis had expressed his desire for a simple burial. Following his lying-in-state at St. Peter’s Basilica, his coffin was sealed in a private ceremony led by eight Catholic cardinals. The Pope’s face was draped with a white silk veil and his body was sprinkled with holy water, a touching tribute to his service.
Inside the casket, cherished papal items such as coins and medals minted during his time as Pontiff were included, along with a handwritten deed summarizing key moments of his 12-year papacy. Francis opted for a modest zinc-lined wooden coffin, diverging from the elaborate multi-casket traditions of his predecessors.
The Funeral Mass
The following morning, the solemn procession took the Pope’s coffin from the basilica to the public square for the funeral Mass. This sacred service commenced at 9 AM Irish time, featuring a choir performing introductory rites in Latin, lasting around 90 minutes.
The Mass was led by Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, with participation from 220 cardinals, 750 bishops and priests at the altar, and more than 4,000 priests gathered in the square. The Vatican released the full order of service, which included:
- Reading of liturgical texts
- A homily by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re
- A universal prayer in several languages
- The consecration of the bread and wine
- Exchange of peace
- The Eucharist
- A moment of silence
- Sprinkling of holy water on the coffin
The Final Words
During the Mass, one poignant prayer included petitions for all people and nations “to persevere in seeking the path of peace.” In a touching moment during the ‘Final Commendation and Farewell,’ Cardinal Re entrusted the Pope’s soul to God and offered comfort to the 1.4 billion members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Cardinal Re eloquently remarked in Latin: “O God, faithful rewarder of souls, grant that your departed servant and our Bishop, Pope Francis, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of your Church, may happily enjoy forever in your presence in heaven the mysteries of your grace and compassion, which he faithfully ministered on earth.”
Following this, he sprinkled the coffin with holy water and incense. The choir rounded off the service with a Latin hymn: “May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs come and welcome you, and take you into the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem.”
The Final Journey
Pope Francis was laid to rest in accordance with his wishes in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a site he held dear. The last pope interred outside the Vatican was Leo XIII, who passed in 1903.
The funeral cortège proceeded slowly from St. Peter’s Basilica to the basilica, allowing crowds to gather along the approximately 5.5-kilometer route, passing iconic Roman landmarks, including the Colosseum. Visitors will soon be permitted to pay their respects at his tomb, which is inscribed only with the name “Franciscus.”
On the steps leading to Santa Maria Maggiore, heartfelt unity was evident as people gathered to honor Pope Francis, remembering his tireless dedication to serving the poor and marginalized during his papacy.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
