Pope Francis laid to rest in historic funeral ceremony

KATHMANDU: The world bid farewell to Pope Francis in a solemn and historic funeral held at St. Peter’s Square, drawing over 250,000 mourners and dignitaries from 164 countries.

The ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, as part of the traditional Novendiali, the nine-day mourning period.

The funeral Mass, held in the iconic St. Peter’s Square, began at 10:00 a.m. local time and was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals.

It marked the official start of the Novendiali, the nine days of mourning and Masses traditionally held in honor of a deceased pope.

A Humble Departure from Tradition

In a final act consistent with his papacy, Pope Francis eschewed the ornate burial traditions of his predecessors.

He was interred in a single, zinc-lined wooden coffin, forgoing the elaborate three-coffin practice that has long marked papal burials.

His final resting place was not within the Vatican but at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome—a Marian shrine he visited before and after every apostolic journey.

This decision marked the first time in more than a century that a pope has chosen to be buried outside Vatican grounds. Vatican officials confirmed that this was in accordance with the late pontiff’s explicit wishes, reflecting his lifelong dedication to humility and accessibility.

Massive Global Turnout

Over 250,000 people gathered in and around Vatican City, with St. Peter’s Square filled to capacity. Faithful from around the world waved flags, held rosaries, and prayed in silence as the casket was carried out of St. Peter’s Basilica and placed at the foot of the altar.

Among the dignitaries were representatives from 164 countries, including heads of state, monarchs, and high-ranking clergy.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump made headlines with their prominent front-row seating, which traditionally is reserved for religious leaders and royal families.

A brief exchange between President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron was caught on camera and later analyzed by lip readers, adding a political subplot to an otherwise solemn event.

Personal Tributes and Emotional Farewells

One of the most emotional moments came when Sister Geneviève Jeanningros, a French nun and longtime friend of Pope Francis, broke Vatican protocol by approaching the casket during the public mourning at St. Peter’s Basilica. She knelt briefly, whispering a final farewell. “He was not just a pope,” she later told reporters. “He was a brother, a companion in Christ, and a true friend to the poor.”

Other mourners included young Catholics from Latin America, where Pope Francis—born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires—began his spiritual journey. “He made us feel seen,” said Diego Morales, 23, from Argentina. “He showed the world that Christ walks among the marginalized.”

Legacy of a Revolutionary Pontiff

Elected in 2013 as the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope, Francis was a trailblazer in many respects.

Known for his outspoken stance on climate change, refugee rights, economic inequality, and Church reform, his papacy marked a dramatic shift toward social justice and dialogue with the modern world.

Critics within the Church challenged some of his more progressive initiatives, including efforts to decentralize authority and his open approach toward LGBTQ+ Catholics. Yet even his opponents acknowledged his profound influence on the global Catholic community and his ability to bring the Church’s message to younger and more secular audiences.

A Global Outpouring of Grief

Following the funeral Mass, bells tolled across major cities from New York to Nairobi, and public memorials were held in cathedrals and public squares around the world. The funeral was broadcast live in over 180 countries, translated into 47 languages, and streamed online for millions more.

In Manila, crowds gathered in the Quiapo Church to hold a candlelight vigil. In Buenos Aires, thousands filled Plaza de Mayo, singing hymns and praying silently.

The Road Ahead

As the Catholic Church begins its official mourning period, attention turns to the upcoming conclave, where the College of Cardinals will gather to elect Pope Francis’ successor.

Vatican insiders say that while no frontrunner has yet emerged, the next pope will inherit both a modernized institution and a deeply complex spiritual landscape shaped by Francis’ legacy.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis now rests in the basilica he so loved, under a simple marble slab that reads: “Franciscus. Servus Pauperum Dei.” (Francis. Servant of the Poor God.)