VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis was laid to rest on Saturday at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome as over 250,000 gathered to say farewell to the late pontiff.
The crowd at St. Peter’s Square that gathered to say goodbye to the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church included young people and world leaders.
Francis was remembered for having “strength and serenity” as the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, delivered the homily.
“He established direct contact with individuals and peoples, eager to be close to everyone, with a marked attention to those in difficulty, giving himself without measure, especially to the marginalized, the least among us,” Re said.
“He was a Pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone. He was also a Pope attentive to the signs of the times and what the Holy Spirit was awakening in the Church,” he added.
Francis’ time as Pope really reached the youth and it was reflected at his service. 80,000 teenagers had registered for the Jubilee of Teenagers, a special event for worshippers between the ages of 12 and 17 during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year of 2025.
Following the funeral, Francis’ coffin was driven through the streets of Rome from St. Peter’s Basilica to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, the Pope’s final resting place.
People could be seen crying and applauding as Francis’ coffin drove by.
When Pope Francis arrived at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, it was the last time he was seen in public before his burial. The basilica will reopen on Sunday.
Now the eyes of the world will turn to the Conclave, which will gather in the coming days to decide who will be the next Pope and lead the Roman Catholic Church.
