By Emamuzo Iboma
Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, was laid to rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, which is located just outside the Vatican walls in the heart of Rome.
On Saturday, thousands of mourners gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica for a solemn funeral Mass to bid farewell to a leader who touched people’s lives around the world. Matteo Piantedosi, Italy’s Interior Minister, revealed that 400,000 people from around the world attended the funeral in Vatican City, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The global outpouring of grief reflects the profound impact Pope Francis had on millions during his papacy.
As a slew of world leaders, dignitaries, and believers gathered to witness the historic event, the air was thick with reverence and sorrow. Tributes poured in from all over the world, honoring a pontiff known for his humility, compassion, and commitment to social justice.
During the service in the grand basilica, religious leaders and loved ones delivered heartfelt eulogies, capturing the essence of a man who dedicated his life to serving others. A fitting homage to a respected spiritual leader, the Mass featured moving prayers, silent moments, and the customary practices of the Catholic faith.
Pope Francis’s remains were interred at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, a place of pilgrimage and devotion with special significance, after the Mass. This final resting place is expected to be used as a site of remembrance by the faithful, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Following such a significant event, the world considers Pope Francis’ teachings, which left a lasting message of love and unity by promoting kindness and communication in the face of division. The world honors the influential journey of a pontiff who was not only a religious leader but also a beacon of hope for many, even as it grieves.
