To pay their respects, over three days, more than 250,000 mourners flooded the Vatican, some queuing up for hours. They were there to pay their last respects to Pope Francis, who died earlier this month. The sad great funeral service was held in the church yesterday. It has attracted presidents and dignitaries from many nations — a testimony to the deep and abiding reach of the Pope’s life and ministry across the world.
The Vatican proved to be an unexpected hub of commemoration, as leaders from all walks of life united to celebrate the legacy of Pope Francis. Among the VIPs, one could hardly miss French President Macron and Brazilian President Lula da Silva. They were further accompanied by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, and Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán. Each Head of State reiterated their condolences, focusing in particular on the Pope’s inspirational legacy of peace and social justice.
The mood at the Vatican seemed to be one of great awe and church historicity. His mourners ranged from heads of state to the other thousands who turned out from all over the world. That might explain why everyone seemed to feel a deep, personal connection to the Pope. Many lined up for hours to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, where they had the opportunity to offer prayers and reflect on the Pope’s teachings.
Pope Francis’s funeral rites began with a Requiem Mass, presided over by high-ranking members of the Vatican. His groundbreaking legacy received powerful eulogies during the funeral ceremony which uplifted his lifelong dedication to interfaith dialogue, humanitarian work and advocacy for marginalized communities. The service ended with a procession that gave attendees a chance to pay their last respects.
The high level of international leadership presence powerfully highlighted the significance of the Pope as one of the world’s great spiritual leaders. Emmanuel Macron thanked the Pope for promoting harmony and peace between all religions and civilizations. In the interim, Lula da Silva put a spotlight on the Pope’s willingness to address social inequalities. Each leader’s attendance served as a testament to the Pope’s influence in promoting peace and understanding across borders.
Tens of thousands of regular folks, in addition to electeds, posted their farewells to Pope Francis. They shared stories of how he impacted their lives in deep and profound ways. All recalled his ability to inspire hope amid despair and his desire to unite a fractured nation.
