On Saturday morning, world leaders, royalty, and thousands of Catholics gathered at the Vatican to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday. The emotional ceremony took place at St. Peter’s Basilica, where crowds filled the square to honor the beloved leader known as the “Pope of the Poor.”
A Somber Gathering in Rome
The Vatican was filled with grief and reverence as leaders from around the globe came together to mourn Pope Francis. Among those attending was Aziz Akhannouch, the head of the Moroccan government. He arrived in Rome on Friday evening to represent King Mohammed VI of Morocco. Akhannouch was welcomed at Ciampino Military Airport by Morocco’s Ambassador to the Vatican, Rajae Naji Mekkaoui, and other key diplomats.
A Heartfelt Farewell
As the Pope’s coffin was carried into St. Peter’s Square, the crowd gave a warm yet somber applause. The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out in mourning, marking the beginning of the ceremony. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re led the funeral mass, where he reflected on Pope Francis’s life of service. “The Pope was close to the people, with an open heart for everyone,” he said.
Leaders from Around the World Pay Tribute
Over 160 delegations attended the funeral, representing a wide range of nations. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and U.S. President Donald Trump were all present.
Leaders from Latin America, such as Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, also joined the funeral. In addition, royal figures, including King Philippe of Belgium, King Felipe VI of Spain, and King Abdullah II of Jordan, paid their respects to the late pope.
Final Resting Place for Pope Francis
After the funeral service, Pope Francis’s coffin was taken to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. There, he will be laid to rest in a simple marble tomb. His grave will be marked with the name “Franciscus” in Latin, a fitting tribute to a pope who lived a humble and devoted life.
Choosing a New Pope
In the weeks following the funeral, 135 cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel to select the next pope. This process is known as a papal conclave. The world now watches as the Catholic Church prepares for a new chapter in its history.
