In a poignant farewell, thousands of mourners gathered in St. Peter's Square on Saturday for the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 26, 2025. Many had spent the previous night on the streets to secure their place in line for the chance to pay their respects to a pope regarded not just as a religious leader but as a fatherly figure for those on society's margins.
As world leaders and dignitaries took their places in the open-air Mass, humble migrants and citizens from various cultures joined the crowd, underscoring the pope's extensive outreach to the disenfranchised. Virginia Munos Ramires, a 30-year-old migrant from El Salvador, eloquently expressed the sentiments of many. "He represented Latinos, immigrants—he was a reference for all of us."
Diverse attire filled the square, with participants wearing Argentina's soccer jerseys, traditional Polish dress, and vibrant fabrics from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their presence illustrated the global impact of Francis' decade-long commitment to addressing the challenges faced by migrants and marginalized populations.
During the funeral Mass, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re reflected on the pope's journey, emphasizing that Francis "gave himself without measure, especially to the marginalized." This sentiment resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom erupted in applause as they remembered his groundbreaking initiatives and compassionate heart.
Notably, the pope's inaugural trip to Lampedusa—a southern Italian island emblematic of migration—was highlighted in the homily. This journey encapsulated Francis’ life mission, which was characterized by his dedication to advocate for the vulnerable and celebrate cultural diversity. As the world commemorates his legacy, these heartfelt tributes in St. Peter's Square will resonate as a testament to his lifelong service to humanity.
