Pope Francis’ funeral, held at the Vatican on Saturday, was attended by an estimated 250,000 mourners, including numerous foreign dignitaries, presidents, and prime ministers.

Homage Delivered by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re provided the homily, celebrating Pope Francis as “a pope among the people, known for his open heart.”

Cardinal Re reflected on the pontiff’s empathy towards global challenges: “Rich in human warmth and deeply sensitive to today’s challenges, Pope Francis truly shared the anxieties, sufferings, and hopes of this time of globalization.”

He highlighted the pope’s commitment to refugees and the poor, emphasizing it as a consistent aspect of his papacy.

Notable Attendees at the Funeral

The funeral gathered significant global leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Notably, Trump and Zelensky shared a private moment at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Francis’ Advocacy for Peace

During the homily, Cardinal Re conveyed Pope Francis’ relentless quest for peace amid conflict. He stated, “Faced with the raging wars of recent years, with their inhuman horrors and countless deaths and destruction, Pope Francis incessantly raised his voice imploring peace.” Re added that the pope firmly believed “war always leaves the world worse than it was before.”

A Final Prayer and Farewell

The cardinal concluded by recalling the pope’s frequent request for prayers: “Dear Pope Francis, we now ask you to pray for us.” In a poignant moment, he referred to Pope Francis’ last public address, imploring blessings for the Church, Rome, and humanity.

Following the service, Pope Francis’ coffin was transported through the streets of Rome in the iconic white popemobile across the River Tiber, heading to its final resting place at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Praise from Leaders and Peers

Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry commented on the pope’s legacy, lauding his “remarkable character, approach and humility.” Kerry stated, “There’s just a consistent refrain of how people were touched by him,” illustrating the broad impact of Pope Francis across diverse cultures and faiths.

Health and Legacy

Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 due to a cerebral stroke and heart failure. His health had been a concern earlier that year when he spent five weeks hospitalized with double pneumonia. His eventual return to public life was cut short after a significant health crisis in late March.

Final Public Appearance

The pope last appeared publicly on Easter Sunday, where he addressed and blessed thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. He used this opportunity to preach for mercy toward migrants and peace in global conflicts, particularly advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and resolutions for the ongoing situation in Yemen.

“On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew,” he implored during his final blessing, urging unity and compassion among people of diverse backgrounds.