During the funeral of Pope Francis, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re urged world leaders and mourners alike to “build bridges, not walls,” a powerful echo of the late pontiff’s calls for compassion toward migrants, peace, and urgent climate action.
- Advertisement -
Leading the Requiem Mass in St. Peter’s Square, the 91-year-old cardinal delivered a poignant message that was as political as it was pastoral. He stated, “A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian,” a remark that harkens back to Pope Francis’s prior critiques of former US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies that were first articulated in 2016. Notably, Trump sat just a few yards from the altar, a reminder of their historical disagreements over humanitarian issues.
Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, has been celebrated for his impactful leadership within the Church. Recognized for his appeal among younger generations, he was a beacon of hope and outreach for the marginalized in society.
As the service commenced, a hushed silence fell over the thousands of mourners and dignitaries as a simple wooden casket, adorned with a large cross, was carried into view by a dozen pallbearers.
Reflecting on the Pope’s last public appearance on Easter Sunday, Cardinal Re recounted, “Despite his serious health issues, he longed to bless us from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, and then he made his way down to greet us from the open Popemobile as a large crowd gathered for the Easter Mass.”
Engaging the crowd in Italian, he highlighted the late pontiff’s unwavering commitment to peace. “War always leaves the world worse than it was before; it is always a painful and tragic defeat for everyone,” he asserted. Cardinal Re commended Francis’s “charisma of welcome and listening,” emphasizing his efforts to illuminate contemporary challenges through the wisdom of the Gospel.
The Vatican reported that approximately 250,000 attendees were present at the funeral. As the service concluded, the crowd erupted in applause as the pontiff’s coffin was returned to St. Peter’s Basilica—the first pope in over a century to not be entombed there. Instead, he chose Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, a fifth-century church existing in the heart of Rome that also houses the tombs of seven other popes.
Among the dignitaries attending the Requiem Mass was former US President Joe Biden, who arrived with his wife Jill, amidst tight security and a wall of cheering supporters. Ireland’s delegation was led by President Michael D. Higgins, joined by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris.
Mr. Harris expressed, “It was an honor and a privilege to attend the funeral of a remarkable spiritual leader who left an indelible mark on our world.” He further noted, “The sadness we share at his passing is somewhat eased by the widespread celebration of his life and achievements that we have all witnessed since his death.”
Other notable attendees included UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and various other global leaders, reflecting the universality of Pope Francis’s impact. The Vatican confirmed the staggering number of attendees, with crowds beginning to gather as early as 5 AM, highlighting the profound respect and reverence held for the late pontiff.
Over a three-day lying-in-state, approximately 250,000 mourners paid their respects to Pope Francis, who lasted overnight due to overwhelming demand. The final public viewing allowed mourners to honor the Pope in the grand surroundings of St. Peter’s Basilica before the casket was closed in a private ceremony.
The funeral marks the beginning of a nine-day official mourning period, but speculation regarding his successor is likely to commence almost immediately. The conclave—an assembly of cardinals convened to elect the new pope—is expected to begin on May 5. As UK theologian Professor Anna Rowlands aptly put it, “It’s going to be a surprise conclave, totally unpredictable at this point, but I think it will produce a really interesting candidate who possibly none of us will know.”
In the interim, Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo or senior Vatican official, will oversee essential administrative functions until a new pope is elected. He is tasked with coordinating meetings leading up to the conclave and ensuring the Sistine Chapel is prepared for the cardinal assembly. The confirmation of a new pope will be heralded by white smoke emerging from the chapel’s chimney, followed by the Latin proclamation of “Habemus Papam,” meaning “we have a pope,” as the chosen pontiff appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
