A Simple Farewell for a Humble Pope
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was never one for grandeur. As Pope Francis, he lived modestly, shunning the Apostolic Palace for a small apartment and carrying his own bag on trips. His funeral reflected that simplicity. He had asked for a plain wooden coffin, no fancy trappings, just the kind of send-off a parish priest might have. For three days, over 250,000 people filed through St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects as he lay in state, his familiar silver cross resting on his chest. Some clutched rosaries; others left handwritten notes, thanking him for his warmth.
The funeral Mass, held on April 26, was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re under a gray Roman sky. The service blended timeless Catholic tradition with Francis’s personal touch. A single Book of the Gospels sat atop his cypress coffin, a nod to his love for scripture. Readings in Spanish, Arabic, and English echoed his global reach, while a Greek prayer from the Byzantine Liturgy honored the Eastern Catholic churches he cherished. Cardinal Re’s homily brought tears to many, as he spoke of Francis’s heart for migrants, the poor, and a wounded planet. “His voice must live on,” Re said, sparking a wave of applause that rippled through the square.
After the Mass, something extraordinary happened. Francis’s coffin was placed in the white popemobile for a final ride through Rome’s cobblestone streets. Crowds lined the route, chanting “Santo Subito!” (“Saint Now!”) and waving white handkerchiefs. It was a moment that felt deeply personal, as if the city was saying goodbye to a friend. True to his wishes, Francis was laid to rest not in the Vatican but at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in a simple tomb marked only with “Franciscus” and an image of his cross. It was a fitting end for a man who always pointed away from himself and toward others.
A World United in Grief
The funeral was a rare sight a global who’s who gathered not for politics but to honor one man’s life. Leaders from every corner of the world filled the front rows of St. Peter’s Square, their differences set aside for a day. It was a testament to Francis’s ability to connect, whether with presidents or street vendors.
A Stage for Peace Talks
The funeral wasn’t just about grief; it became a quiet stage for diplomacy. In a world fractured by wars, from Ukraine to Gaza, Francis’s death brought leaders together in a way few events could. The most talked-about moment was a meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy inside St. Peter’s Basilica before the Mass. It was their first face-to-face since Trump’s return to office, and the White House called it “a step forward” for peace talks in Ukraine. Meloni, who met Zelenskyy afterward, described the encounter as a “small miracle” born of Francis’s spirit. Macron, too, joined talks with Zelenskyy, pushing for a coalition to end the war.
These moments felt like an extension of Francis’s life work. He’d often been a voice for dialogue, even when it stirred controversy like his 2024 call for Ukraine to consider negotiations, which some saw as naive. Yet his funeral proved his point: when people come together, even briefly, hope can flicker. The Vatican, with its soft power, became a neutral ground where leaders could talk, pray, and maybe listen a little more.
A Legacy That Lives On
Pope Francis wasn’t perfect, but he was human in the best way. He hugged refugees, dined with the homeless, and called for a Church that’s “bruised, hurting, and dirty” from being out in the world. His encyclical Laudato Si’ made him a hero to environmentalists, while his outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics and abuse survivors showed a Church trying to heal. He wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers, whether pushing for financial reform in the Vatican or speaking out against consumerism.
Not everyone agreed with him. Some conservative Catholics felt he muddied doctrine; others wanted faster change on issues like women’s roles or clergy abuse. Yet even his critics couldn’t deny his impact. Juan Carlos Cruz, an abuse survivor, called him a “game-changer” for listening when others wouldn’t. Leaders like Ursula von der Leyen praised his moral clarity, saying he inspired “far beyond the Church.”
A Global Goodbye
Beyond Rome, the world mourned in its own way. In Buenos Aires, thousands filled the Plaza de Mayo, holding candles and singing hymns. In the Philippines, churches overflowed with Masses in his honor. Social media buzzed with stories of Francis’s small kindnesses washing the feet of prisoners, blessing a child in a crowd. These memories painted a picture of a pope who saw everyone, no matter their place in the world.
As the funeral ended and leaders departed, St. Peter’s Square felt quieter, but not empty. Francis’s spirit lingered in the faces of those who’d come to say goodbye. His life reminded us that leadership isn’t about power it’s about love, lived simply and shared generously. The world may never see another like him, but his call to care for each other and our planet will echo for generations.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was never one for grandeur. As Pope Francis, he lived modestly, shunning the Apostolic Palace for a small apartment and carrying his own bag on trips. His funeral reflected that simplicity. He had asked for a plain wooden coffin, no fancy trappings, just the kind of send-off a parish priest might have. For three days, over 250,000 people filed through St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects as he lay in state, his familiar silver cross resting on his chest. Some clutched rosaries; others left handwritten notes, thanking him for his warmth.
The funeral Mass, held on April 26, was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re under a gray Roman sky. The service blended timeless Catholic tradition with Francis’s personal touch. A single Book of the Gospels sat atop his cypress coffin, a nod to his love for scripture. Readings in Spanish, Arabic, and English echoed his global reach, while a Greek prayer from the Byzantine Liturgy honored the Eastern Catholic churches he cherished. Cardinal Re’s homily brought tears to many, as he spoke of Francis’s heart for migrants, the poor, and a wounded planet. “His voice must live on,” Re said, sparking a wave of applause that rippled through the square.
After the Mass, something extraordinary happened. Francis’s coffin was placed in the white popemobile for a final ride through Rome’s cobblestone streets. Crowds lined the route, chanting “Santo Subito!” (“Saint Now!”) and waving white handkerchiefs. It was a moment that felt deeply personal, as if the city was saying goodbye to a friend. True to his wishes, Francis was laid to rest not in the Vatican but at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in a simple tomb marked only with “Franciscus” and an image of his cross. It was a fitting end for a man who always pointed away from himself and toward others.
A World United in Grief
The funeral was a rare sight a global who’s who gathered not for politics but to honor one man’s life. Leaders from every corner of the world filled the front rows of St. Peter’s Square, their differences set aside for a day. It was a testament to Francis’s ability to connect, whether with presidents or street vendors.
- United States: President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended, joined by former President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden. Trump, who once sparred with Francis over immigration, called him “a good man who cared deeply.” Biden, a devout Catholic, looked visibly moved, having honored Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom years earlier.
- Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska brought a quiet intensity, their presence a nod to Francis’s tireless pleas for peace in their war-torn country.
- Argentina: President Javier Milei, once a critic of Francis’s politics, stood solemnly, a sign of reconciliation with the pope who put Argentina on the global stage.
- United Kingdom: Prince William, representing King Charles III, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute, with Starmer calling Francis “a light of humility in a divided world.”
- France: President Emmanuel Macron spoke of Francis’s joy in lifting up the forgotten, a theme that resonated with many.
- Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, hosting the event, called it a day of “profound unity” for her nation and beyond.
- Others: From India’s President Droupadi Murmu to Belgium’s King Philippe, Spain’s King Felipe VI, and East Timor’s Jose Ramos-Horta, the diversity of attendees mirrored Francis’s universal appeal.
A Stage for Peace Talks
The funeral wasn’t just about grief; it became a quiet stage for diplomacy. In a world fractured by wars, from Ukraine to Gaza, Francis’s death brought leaders together in a way few events could. The most talked-about moment was a meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy inside St. Peter’s Basilica before the Mass. It was their first face-to-face since Trump’s return to office, and the White House called it “a step forward” for peace talks in Ukraine. Meloni, who met Zelenskyy afterward, described the encounter as a “small miracle” born of Francis’s spirit. Macron, too, joined talks with Zelenskyy, pushing for a coalition to end the war.
These moments felt like an extension of Francis’s life work. He’d often been a voice for dialogue, even when it stirred controversy like his 2024 call for Ukraine to consider negotiations, which some saw as naive. Yet his funeral proved his point: when people come together, even briefly, hope can flicker. The Vatican, with its soft power, became a neutral ground where leaders could talk, pray, and maybe listen a little more.
A Legacy That Lives On
Pope Francis wasn’t perfect, but he was human in the best way. He hugged refugees, dined with the homeless, and called for a Church that’s “bruised, hurting, and dirty” from being out in the world. His encyclical Laudato Si’ made him a hero to environmentalists, while his outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics and abuse survivors showed a Church trying to heal. He wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers, whether pushing for financial reform in the Vatican or speaking out against consumerism.
Not everyone agreed with him. Some conservative Catholics felt he muddied doctrine; others wanted faster change on issues like women’s roles or clergy abuse. Yet even his critics couldn’t deny his impact. Juan Carlos Cruz, an abuse survivor, called him a “game-changer” for listening when others wouldn’t. Leaders like Ursula von der Leyen praised his moral clarity, saying he inspired “far beyond the Church.”
A Global Goodbye
Beyond Rome, the world mourned in its own way. In Buenos Aires, thousands filled the Plaza de Mayo, holding candles and singing hymns. In the Philippines, churches overflowed with Masses in his honor. Social media buzzed with stories of Francis’s small kindnesses washing the feet of prisoners, blessing a child in a crowd. These memories painted a picture of a pope who saw everyone, no matter their place in the world.
As the funeral ended and leaders departed, St. Peter’s Square felt quieter, but not empty. Francis’s spirit lingered in the faces of those who’d come to say goodbye. His life reminded us that leadership isn’t about power it’s about love, lived simply and shared generously. The world may never see another like him, but his call to care for each other and our planet will echo for generations.
Last edited:
