Daijiworld Media Network – Vatican City
Vatican City, April 26: Pope Francis, widely revered as the "Pope of the People" and known for ushering in sweeping reforms within the Catholic Church, was given a solemn farewell on Saturday at St Peter’s Square, Vatican City — despite criticism from hardline traditionalists.
An estimated 400,000 people from across the world gathered to witness the moving final rites, with a notable presence of young attendees among the mourners.
Families with children had travelled from various countries, camping overnight in and around the square to ensure a close view of the funeral ceremony. While some managed to find seats set aside for the public, many others spent the night at the site or slept in their vehicles before arriving early in the morning.
As per his final wishes, following the public farewell, Pope Francis’ mortal remains were taken to St. Mary’s Church in Rome, where he was laid to rest. This was confirmed by the Catholic News Service Rome in a post on its official account on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter).
Given the scale of public attendance and the presence of global dignitaries, extensive security measures were put in place. Around 2,500 police officers and 1,500 military personnel were deployed to ensure safety across Vatican City.
World leaders in attendance
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife, seated alongside India’s president Droupadi Murmu.
Also, present were former US president Donald Trump and Britain’s Prince William, along with representatives from nearly 50 nations.
China did not send an official representative, citing a lack of formal diplomatic ties with the Vatican.
Meanwhile, Israel — which had drawn criticism from Pope Francis over the ongoing Gaza conflict — was represented only by a senior Church figure.
'Build bridges, not walls'
In his eulogy, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista recalled one of Pope Francis’ most famous remarks: “A person who builds walls instead of bridges among people, no matter who or where they are, cannot be called a Christian.”
The 2016 statement was widely interpreted as a direct rebuke to Donald Trump’s move to build a border wall along the U.S.-Mexico frontier during his presidency. The remark’s revival during the farewell, with Trump present, drew subtle but poignant attention.
The Cardinal also highlighted the Pope’s lifelong advocacy for immigrants, offering a striking contrast to Trump’s immigration policies during his second term, which had sparked global condemnation.
Trump-Zelenskyy exchange
While farewell proceedings were ongoing, Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy held a brief conversation at Saint Basilica.
The White House later described the meeting as “productive”, while Zelenskyy’s spokesperson called it a short exchange. Trump noted that further discussions could follow after the funeral.
Pope Francis’ funeral not only marked the passing of a religious leader but symbolised the end of a papacy defined by compassion, inclusiveness, and moral courage in the face of political and social challenges.
In a solemn and historic moment, President Droupadi Murmu attended the mass funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis, held at the iconic Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Saturday. Paying homage on behalf of the nation, President Murmu joined thousands of mourners from around the world in bidding a heartfelt farewell to the beloved spiritual leader.
The Indian delegation to the funeral was further strengthened by the presence of Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian, and Deputy Speaker of the Goa Assembly Joshua De Souza, all of whom attended the ceremony as official representatives of India.
A day prior to the funeral, on Friday, President Murmu had visited the Basilica of Saint Peter to pay her respects to the late Pontiff. Sharing the moment on her official X handle, the post read, “President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to His Holiness Pope Francis at the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City.” Her tribute resonated with the deep respect that the people of India held for the Pope.
Pope Francis, revered globally for his humility, compassion, and progressive vision, passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, marking the end of a profoundly influential papacy. His passing left a void in the hearts of millions across continents, cutting across religious and cultural lines.
President Murmu’s attendance at the State funeral, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), was a gesture of solidarity and respect, offering condolences on behalf of the Government of India and the Indian populace.
According to a statement released by the Vatican on Thursday, the funeral witnessed an unprecedented gathering of at least 130 foreign delegations, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs, showcasing the global impact Pope Francis had during his lifetime.
Following the news of the Pontiff’s demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow. In a heartfelt post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, "Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world."
The Prime Minister further highlighted the Pope’s lifelong commitment to service, saying, "From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.”
Reflecting on his personal interactions, Prime Minister Modi recalled, "I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-around development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God's embrace."
The funeral of Pope Francis was not just a religious event but a global moment of reflection, mourning, and tribute, honoring a leader who transcended borders and touched lives across faiths and nations.