POPE Francis, remembered for his humility, compassion, and commitment to inclusivity, was laid to rest Saturday in a funeral service he had intentionally requested to be simple.
Hundreds of thousands of mourners, alongside dozens of world leaders and dignitaries, filled St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican to honor the late pontiff.
Following the Mass, Francis’ simple wooden coffin, adorned with a large cross, was carried by white-gloved pallbearers before being placed on an open-air popemobile.
A solemn motorcade then led the coffin through the streets of Rome, where crowds lined the route, offering applause and prayers.
His body was brought to St. Mary Major, his final resting place.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, who presided over the service, described Francis in his homily as “a pope among the people, with an open heart toward everyone.”
“He established direct and sincere contact with individuals and communities, showing particular care for those in hardship, and giving himself without reserve, especially to the marginalized,” Re said.
The Mass began with readings from Scripture as the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled, mingling with the sound of applause that swept through the gathered crowd.
