The streets surrounding St Peter’s Square were filled with emotion today as tens of thousands of mourners gathered to bid farewell to Pope Francis. Many had arrived before dawn to secure a place for the funeral, creating a sea of humanity united in grief and reverence.
As the public portion of the funeral concluded, the crowds began to disperse under Rome’s warm sun, with temperatures expected to reach 23°C (73°F) by mid-afternoon. Pilgrims, some weary from the long wait, sought shade, rest, and something to eat. Groups settled on the steps of the Chiesa di Santo Spirito in Sassia, quietly sharing sandwiches and catching their breath after an emotionally charged morning.
Inside the church, Catholics from across the world lit candles and offered prayers in Pope Francis’ memory. The atmosphere inside provided a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets outside, where families, nuns, and priests mingled in quiet reflection.
The Vatican reported that around 150,000 people lined the streets of Rome to watch as the Pope’s coffin made its final procession. Meanwhile, about 250,000 mourners had filled St Peter’s Square and the surrounding streets during the funeral Mass itself a powerful testament to Pope Francis’ impact on the global Catholic community.
In a break from tradition, Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, rather than within the Vatican. He becomes the first pope since Leo XIII, who died in 1903, to be buried outside Vatican grounds.
The choice of Santa Maria Maggiore is deeply symbolic. Throughout his papacy, Francis maintained a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary and made it a point to visit the basilica after every trip abroad. As the first church dedicated to Mary, built in the 4th century, Santa Maria Maggiore holds a special place in Catholic history making it a fitting final resting place for a Pope remembered for his humility, compassion, and dedication to the faithful.
As the crowds drift away into the Roman afternoon, a sense of solemnity lingers in the air a quiet tribute to a leader whose influence transcended borders and touched millions.
