The world united in a profound farewell to Pope Francis on Saturday, as over 250,000 mourners gathered at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican to pay their final respects. The funeral service, lasting about two hours, was marked by solemn prayers, moments of spontaneous applause, and a spirit of hope that reflected the late pope’s lifelong commitment to humility, compassion, and unity.

The ceremony, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, honored Francis as a "pope among the people," celebrating his ability to lead with an open heart and to embrace the world’s diversity. Delegations from 130 countries, including world leaders and reigning monarchs, were present. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump met in Rome ahead of the service.

Following the funeral mass, Pope Francis’ coffin was carried in a procession through Rome, past historical landmarks such as the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, as thousands lined the streets to offer their final tributes. The city came to a standstill, with streets closed off and bells echoing across the capital in a rare moment of collective mourning.

Rather than being interred at the Vatican, Francis had expressed a deep wish to be buried at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a sacred site he frequently visited for prayer before and after his international journeys. This decision marks the first time in over a century that a pope is buried outside Vatican grounds.

Outside the basilica, crowds from all corners of the globe — including young nuns, school groups, and families — gathered, waving flags and holding rosaries, embodying the universality of the Catholic Church that Francis so passionately championed. Two large screens broadcasted the funeral for poor communities living nearby, emphasizing Francis’ lifelong dedication to the marginalized.

Though the final burial ceremony inside the basilica was private, a rosary was held publicly, and starting Sunday, the faithful will be able to visit the site to pay their respects.

This historic day concluded with a spirit not of mourning alone, but of hope, gratitude, and love — values that defined Pope Francis’ transformative papacy and continue to inspire millions worldwide.