VATICAN CITY (AP) – Tens of thousands of mourners gathered in St. Peter's Square from dawn on Saturday to pay tribute to Pope Francis during a farewell ceremony that reflected his commitment to serving the marginalized. Following a funeral Mass attended by world leaders, prisoners and migrants will welcome him into the basilica where he will be laid to rest, honoring his life dedicated to the poor.
As many as 200,000 attendees are expected at the funeral, which Pope Francis choreographed himself, revising and simplifying Vatican rites and rituals last year. His goal was to emphasize the papacy's role as a pastoral position rather than one of power in the secular world, as evident in his 12-year mission to reform the Church.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, had envisioned a "poor church for the poor," a vision that started shortly after his election in 2013. The official decree detailing his life was placed in his plain wooden coffin before sealing it on Friday night.
While the focus was on the powerless, many in power will attend the funeral, including U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, European leaders, and Prince William among over 160 official delegations, showcasing Francis' influence even among global leaders.
The white facade of St. Peter's Basilica glowed pink at sunrise as mourners filled the square. Giant screens were set up along nearby streets for those unable to enter the square, and the Mass will be broadcast live globally. Some mourners camped out overnight, creating a festive atmosphere, while security arrangements included 2,500 police and 1,500 soldiers.
Many participants had initially planned to be in Rome for the now-postponed canonization of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint. With an influx of youth groups and scouts, the square was filled with diverse crowds recalling the warmth of Pope Francis.
"He was a very charismatic pope," remarked Miguel Vaca, a pilgrim from Peru. "It is a very great emotion to say goodbye to him.”
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at age 88 after suffering a stroke during recovery from pneumonia. His funeral will pave the way for the subsequent conclave to elect a new pope, expected to begin in early May, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re overseeing the process.
In a break with tradition, Pope Francis will be buried in St. Mary Major Basilica, where a simple tomb awaits him, marked only with his name, "Franciscus." The burial site is particularly significant to him, as it houses the Salus Populi Romani icon, which he honored throughout his papacy.
The funeral procession is expected to attract up to 300,000 people lining the 4-kilometer route from the Vatican to the basilica. Upon arrival, 40 special guests from marginalized communities, organized by Caritas and the Sant'Egidio community, will greet his coffin in a tribute reflecting Francis' dedication to the poor, homeless, migrants, and prisoners.
Francis once declared, "The poor have a privileged place in the heart of God," which explains the thoughtful choice of his burial location. His historical ties to St. Mary Major, linked to his Jesuit order, further illustrate the spiritual significance behind his final resting place.
Over three days leading up to the funeral, more than 250,000 people made their way to St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects as his body lay in state. Although the Vatican kept the basilica open overnight to accommodate the crowd, many were still turned away as doors closed to the general public at 7 p.m. on Friday.
As dawn approached on the day of the funeral, the crowd returned to say their last goodbyes, honoring the pope's lasting words. "We are here to honor him because he always said ‘don't forget to pray for me,’" commented Sister Christiana Neenwata from Nigeria, highlighting the deep affection and respect held for Pope Francis around the world.
