POPE FRANCIS Farewell Shocks World: Leaders and Crowds Flood Vatican
— Tens of thousands packed St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to say goodbye to Pope Francis. The funeral, planned by the pope himself, showed his wish for a simpler church focused on service and humility.
Francis often said the pope should be “a mere pastor and not a powerful man of this world.” He pushed reforms to help the poor and those left out by society.
Still, world leaders came in large numbers. President Trump, former President Biden, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, European royals, and over 160 delegations joined mourners at the Vatican.
After the ceremony — where old hymns mixed with people snapping selfies — Francis was laid to rest in a basilica across Rome. The event was broadcast worldwide as crowds filled city streets to honor him.
