Pope Francis Laid to Rest After Solemn Requiem

VATICAN CITY —In a moving and historic moment for the Catholic Church, thousands of mourners gathered  on April 26, Saturday at St. Peter’s Square to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the 266th successor of St. Peter.

The funeral Mass, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, began at 10:00 a.m. under gray Roman skies. In attendance were more than 400 thousand faithful, including world leaders, dignitaries, clergy, and pilgrims from across the globe -- all united in grief and gratitude for a pope who spent more than a decade calling the Church back to its roots of mercy, humility, and service.

World Leaders Gather in Vatican

Present at the requiem mass were  United States President Donald Trump; French President Emmanuel Macron; European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen; German President Frank Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Argentinian President Javier Gerardo Milei, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Prince William also attended on behalf of his father, King Charles III.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., who came with his wife First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos was among the 170 leaders who attended the funeral mass.

PHOTO CREDIT: PCO

During the homily, Cardinal Re remembered Pope Francis as “a shepherd with the scent of his sheep,” echoing one of the late Pontiff’s most iconic phrases. He praised Francis’ tireless advocacy for the poor, his commitment to dialogue among faiths, and his unshakable defense of human dignity.

PHOTO CREDIT: VATICAN MEDIA

Final Procession Through Rome Draws Thousands

After the funeral Mass at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis’ coffin made a final six-kilometer journey through the streets of Rome, ending at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

The hour-long procession passed historic landmarks as thousands of mourners lined the route, offering prayers, flowers, and silent tributes and applause.

Final Burial Rite

Video Source: VATICAN MEDIA

At 1:00 p.m., the burial rite commenced according to the ancient traditions prescribed in the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis. The ceremony, attended by relatives and close Church officials, concluded at 1:30 p.m.

In keeping with his simple wishes, Pope Francis was laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a place he deeply loved throughout his pontificate.

Photo Source: VATICAN NEWS

Filipinos Bid Farewell to “Lolo Kiko”

Filipinos across the globe flew to Rome to attend the funeral mass for Pope Francis, including couple Jay and Nita Penaranda, pilgrims from London and Gwen Fernandez, who travelled from Warsaw, Poland.

Novemdiales

As bells tolled across the Vatican and beyond, the Church entered the traditional Novemdiales — nine days of prayer and Masses for the repose of the Pope’s soul.

While the world mourns, the Vatican also prepares for the conclave, and soon, the College of Cardinals will gather to elect the next Bishop of Rome.

But on Saturday, the faithful simply remembered and gave thanks to Pope Francis for a life poured out in service.