Pope Francis: A Global Farewell as 250,000 Mourners Pay Tribute

History was made as the funeral of Pope Francis concluded on Saturday (April 26, 2025), with thousands of faithful, state leaders, and royal family members gathering in St. Peter’s Square to honor the 266th Pontiff. Known for his message of simplicity and love for humanity, Pope Francis left an indelible mark on the world. After the ceremony, his simple wooden casket was carried through the streets of Rome, eventually reaching the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, fulfilling his wish to rest near the shrine of the Virgin Mary. This marked the first time in a century that a pope was buried outside the Vatican. His casket bore only the inscription ‘Franciscus,’ adhering to his humble request. During the two-hour-and-fifteen-minute service, dignitaries from around the globe attended, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The event highlighted Pope Francis’s legacy of compassion for the poor, migrants, and prisoners. His final journey included passing by refugees, children, and homeless individuals, who each placed a white flower in the basilica. Over 250,000 mourners paid their respects, marking a historic farewell.