In a poignant display of humanity and inclusivity, over 200,000 pilgrims and at least 130 foreign delegations will gather in St Peter’s Square this Saturday for the funeral of Pope Francis, the liberal and groundbreaking leader of the Catholic Church who served for 12 years. The extraordinary array of invitees includes heads of state, royals, refugees, prisoners, transgender people, and those who are homeless – a testament to the pontiff’s commitment to bridging social divides and uplifting marginalized communities.
As the world bids farewell to the Pope who “spoke to everyone,” it is hard not to be moved by his remarkable life and legacy. Born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he chose the name Francis in honor of the saint who renounced a life of luxury to help the poor. Throughout his papacy, Francis championed the causes of the vulnerable, from refugees to prisoners, and worked tirelessly to simplify Church rites and practices.
The funeral mass, led by Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, will be attended by dignitaries including US Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Prince William of the United Kingdom will also join in paying respects to the Pope.
Notably, refugees and asylum seekers who have experienced trauma and hardship will also be present at the funeral, including Mahamat Daoud, a survivor of torture and abuse in Libya who was aided by Francis’s efforts. As Daoud reflects, “We are feeling really sorry about this death because he was the only pope who really stood with refugees and vulnerable people.” The presence of these individuals serves as a powerful reminder of the Pope’s unwavering dedication to compassion and justice.
After the funeral mass, Francis’s simple wooden coffin will be taken on a procession through central Rome, passing iconic landmarks like the Colosseum. In keeping with his wishes, he will be given a final farewell by a group of 40 people, including prisoners and homeless individuals – a poignant acknowledgment of his commitment to serving those often overlooked by society.
Finally, Francis will be entombed in a small niche beneath Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, inscribed only with his papal name in Latin: Franciscus. This intimate burial, far from the grandeur typically reserved for popes, reflects the Pope’s humility and emphasis on simplicity.
As speculation swirls around who might succeed Francis, one thing is clear – his legacy will continue to inspire and guide the world towards a more just and compassionate future. In his passing, we remember not only a remarkable leader but also a symbol of hope and unity in our increasingly divided world.
Sourced from https://www.theguardian.com/