Pope Francis has been laid to rest in Rome following a solemn funeral ceremony and procession attended by hundreds of thousands of mourners, dignitaries, and heads of state from around the world.
The beloved pontiff, who made history as the first South American Pope, passed away on Monday at the age of 88, bringing to a close a remarkable 12-year papacy marked by humility, social reform, and a commitment to global peace.
Tributes poured in from religious, political, and community leaders worldwide, celebrating his tireless efforts to champion the poor, advocate for environmental protection, and promote interfaith dialogue.
After the funeral ceremony ended in the Vatican, his coffin was transported to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where he was laid to rest in accordance with his final wishes.
Pope Francis’ coffin arrives in St Peter’s Square pic.twitter.com/u1OW73yVR5
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 26, 2025
Over a quarter of a million people from all walks of life gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to bid their final farewell to Pope Francis at his Requiem Mass.
The solemn liturgy was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, who was… pic.twitter.com/wyfUdycNk8
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 26, 2025
Pope Francis’ mortal remains are carried aboard the popemobile through the streets of Rome to their eternal resting place at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and his coffin pauses for a final salute to the ancient icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani. pic.twitter.com/i7CameHuDQ
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 26, 2025
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who presided over the funeral Mass, paid tribute to the late pontiff, recalling how he “touched minds and hearts” and dedicated his life to “building bridges, not walls.”
An estimated 250,000 mourners gathered for the ceremony, with about 50,000 filling St. Peter’s Square. Among those in attendance were U.S.
President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Prince William, who joined other world figures in a poignant display of unity.
After the public Mass, pallbearers carried Pope Francis’ coffin into a private section of Santa Maria Maggiore, where a short, private ceremony is being held, fulfilling the Pope’s request for a modest farewell.
True to his wishes, Pope Francis will rest in a simple grave bearing only the Latin inscription “Franciscus” on a plain stone.
The Vatican announced that the public will be able to visit his tomb starting Sunday morning.
In a notable moment at the funeral, Presidents Trump and Zelensky met briefly inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis’ first miracle pic.twitter.com/W6eYOiu4n1
— Catholic Sat (@CatholicSat) April 26, 2025
Zelensky described the meeting as potentially “historic and symbolic,” emphasising hopes for a “full and unconditional ceasefire” and “lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out.”
He ends his post on X by thanking the US president.
He later thanked Trump on X for supporting efforts to protect lives and end conflict.
Meanwhile, President Trump has departed Rome aboard Air Force One.
Photos captured him waving from the steps of the aircraft at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, moments before takeoff, according to flight tracking data from FlightRadar24.
Also, the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sent a high-powered delegation to Vatican City to attend the burial of His Holiness, Pope Francis.
In a statement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Senate President Godswill Akpabio led the five-member delegation to Vatican City in Rome for the burial of Catholic Pontiff.
Pope Francis, remembered for his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to social justice, leaves behind a transformative legacy that continues to inspire across religious and political divides.
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