Pope Francis’ funeral reflects his mission as global leaders pay homage

World leaders, dignitaries, and Catholic faithful gathered on Saturday (April 26) to bid farewell to Pope Francis in a funeral that mirrored his pastoral values.

Around 200,000 people attended Pope Francis' funeral in St. Peter’s Square as he was laid to rest.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, aged 88, from heart failure following a stroke.

His funeral Mass was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, US President Donald Trump Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, and numerous other global dignitaries.

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Funeral reflects mission

In a break from recent tradition, Francis will not be buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica but will be buried in the St Mary Major Basilica, where a simple underground tomb awaits him with just his name.

Prisoners and migrants will welcome him into the basilica where he will be laid to rest — a reflection of Pope Francis’ 12-year project to radically reform the papacy, to emphasise its pastors as servants, and to construct “a poor church for the poor.”

Francis had personally choreographed his funeral rituals last year, revising Vatican traditions to portray the pope as a humble pastor rather than “a powerful man of this world.”

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'Pope of the people'

The funeral ceremony began at 10 am CET (1:30 pm IST) at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican before he will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who led the service, eulogised Francis as a “pope among the people” who exhibited warmth, simplicity, and an open heart towards all.

He recalled Francis’ unwavering support for migrants, refugees, and the displaced, noting his historic first papal visit to Lampedusa, an Italian island in the Mediterranean that has long been the first port of call for people crossing from North Africa.

“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,” Re said.

Leaders' honour

Among the many dignitaries attending, US President Donald Trump, who had previously clashed with Francis on issues like immigration, praised the late pope as a "good man" who "loved the world".

Union Minister of State George Kurian, who attended the funeral along with President Murmu on behalf of India, hailed Francis as a "leader of humankind" who respected all races and religions.

Francis' life was marked by his call for peace amid global conflicts. Cardinal Re emphasised his frequent calls for negotiations to end wars, his compassion for the poor, and his hope for a better world.

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A lasting memory

The last image of Francis for many was his Easter Sunday appearance — despite his serious health problems — blessing the crowd from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

“He then came down to this square to greet the large crowd gathered for the Easter Mass while riding in the open-top Popemobile,” Re continued.

As Cardinal Re concluded the homily, he reminded mourners that Francis always ended his addresses by asking for prayers.

“Dear Pope Francis, we now ask you to pray for us. May you bless the Church, bless Rome, and bless the whole world as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this basilica,” Re concluded.