Farewell to the People’s Pope

Political Leaders, Royalty, Clergy and the General Public Mourn Pope Francis

Photo by Coronel G on Unsplash

Pope Francis’ funeral was held on Saturday, April 26 in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The pope, who was known for his humility and inclusion of everyone in his church mission, was 88 years old when he died on April 21, only a day after Easter. More than 250,000 people gathered for the service. A Catholic tradition called rogito summarized his life, beginning from childhood to his years as a pope. He was placed in an open coffin and buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major with his black shoes.

Global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Former U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William, paid respect at the funeral. The Vatican announced 133 electors out of 252 cardinals. After a week of congregations, the cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel on May 7 to elect the next pope.