Vatican City, April 26, 2025 — Thousands gathered today in St. Peter’s Square to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who was remembered during his funeral Mass as a “pope among the people” and a tireless bridge-builder in a divided world.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, presided over the solemn ceremony, describing Pope Francis as “a shepherd who walked with his flock, listened to their cries, and worked ceaselessly to unite rather than divide.” Throughout his 12-year papacy, Francis championed causes such as care for the marginalized, interfaith dialogue, and global peace, becoming one of the most influential figures of the 21st century.
In his homily, Cardinal Parolin recalled how Francis, the first pope from the Americas, often emphasized the importance of encounter over exclusion. “He taught us that building bridges — between faiths, cultures, and hearts — was not only possible but necessary,” Parolin said. “He lived the Gospel with humility and courage.”
Mourners included heads of state, religious leaders from various faiths, and ordinary pilgrims who had traveled from across the world. Messages of condolence and tribute flooded in from every corner of the globe, highlighting the profound impact Pope Francis had beyond the Catholic Church.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis made history in 2013 when he became the first Jesuit pope and the first to take the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s ideals of poverty and peace. His papacy was marked by bold efforts to reform the Church, advocate for environmental stewardship through his landmark encyclical Laudato si’, and call for compassion toward migrants and refugees.
As bells tolled and prayers rose into the Roman sky, the world bid farewell to a leader whose legacy of mercy, justice, and bridge-building will continue to inspire generations to come.
