Pope Francis Entombed at Basilica of St. Mary Major

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis has been entombed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in central Rome. This marks the first time in over a century that a pope has been buried outside the Vatican. The Holy See described the burial as a “private and solemn moment,” attended only by close aides and family.

“The Pope is the first in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican, and his entombment was a private event, allowing for those closest to him to pay their respects,” the statement adds.

Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said “at least 400,000 people” gathered in Vatican City for Pope Francis’ funeral.

“We estimate not fewer than 400,000 people between those present in St Peter’s Square and those along the route,” Matteo Piantedosi tells Italian news programme TG5.

Crowds lined the streets to watch the coffin’s final journey to Santa Maria Maggiore. “The affection shown today demonstrates the profound bond Pope Francis had with the people,” Piantedosi said.

Global Leaders and Royalty in Attendance

World leaders, royals, and dignitaries attended the funeral in droves. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Sweden’s King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia, along with Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, attended the event.

They arranged the seating alphabetically by country in French. However, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated that “some exceptions were made for protocol reasons.” This includes Argentine President Javier Milei and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden arrived with other dignitaries. Some include, Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, was also in attendance.

A Diverse Crowd Reflects Pope Francis’ Priorities

The funeral gathered young Catholics, clergy, and marginalised groups Francis often championed, including the people without homes and migrants. A Vatican official announced that they arranged for “several prisoners to attend the funeral,” showcasing the pope’s lifelong commitment to the imprisoned and those living below the poverty line.

Pilgrims moved towards the square, with Archduke Ferdinand Habsburg of Austria and Brother Gregory, a Vatican employee, among them.

Tight Security Across Rome

Security was tight, with thousands of Italian police, firefighters, medics, and military personnel deployed across Rome. Police Chief Vittorio Pisani said, “This is one of the largest security operations we’ve managed in recent years.”

Despite these precautions, the crowd remained calm. Many pilgrims arrived before dawn, some carrying handwritten signs reading “Grazie Papa Francesco.”

Funeral Mass Led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re

The funeral mass was celebrated in St. Peter’s Square by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals.

“We are here to give thanks to God for the gift that Pope Francis has been for the Church and the world,” Cardinal Re said at the start of the mass.

Honouring Francis’ request for simplicity, his body was placed in a single wooden coffin, without the traditional triple-coffin ritual.

Scripture readings also included passages from the Acts of the Apostles and the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians. Hymns echoed across the square.

Meanwhile, after the mass, the coffin was carried in an open vehicle adapted from the popemobile, allowing mourners a final glimpse. His burial at Santa Maria Maggiore reflects his devotion to the Virgin Mary, a focus throughout his papacy.

Attendance Highlights and Diplomacy on the Sidelines

Diplomacy continued quietly during the event. Former U.S. President Donald Trump was seated between Estonia’s President Alar Karis and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb.

Trump was seen speaking briefly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before the ceremony. When Zelensky entered St. Peter’s Square, the crowd erupted into applause.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and several heads of state from Latin America, Africa, and Asia were also present.

A Look Back at Pope Francis’ Legacy

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Pope Francis was the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to take the name “Francis,” after Saint Francis of Assisi.

Throughout his papacy, he prioritised humility, mercy, and social justice. “I want a po0r Church for the p0or,” Francis said early in his pontificate, setting the tone for his leadership style.

He rejected many traditional privileges of the office, often choosing simple vehicles, carrying his own bag, and living in a modest Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace.

Public Mourning in the Days Before the Funeral

In the days leading up to the funeral, more than 250,000 people filed past the pope’s body in St. Peter’s Basilica. Vatican officials kept the basilica open day and night to accommodate the steady flow.

“Despite the rain and cold, the faith and gratitude of the people were stronger,” said Archbishop Georg Gänswein, who oversaw the viewing.

Mimi Mefo info