On the 26th of April, all roads led to Rome, to St Peter’s Square as many Heads of State, Heads of Government, Official delegation, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Brothers, Sisters, lay faithful and sympathizers participated in the funeral Mass of Pope Francis. It is estimated that about 200,000 people were in attendance at St. Peter’s Square. Since Wednesday, thousands of faithful had queued for hours in the scorching sun at St Peter’s Square to pay their last respect Pope Francis.
During the funeral, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals who presided over the Mass, thanked all present in the name of the college of Cardinals. He first appreciated the great affection that has been shown since the death of Pope Francis, which reveals how much the Pontificate of Pope Francis has touched many minds and hearts.
As many gathered to pray for the soul of Pope Francis, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, reminded the faithful of ‘the certainty of our faith, which assures us that human existence does not end in the tomb but in the Father’s house, in a life of happiness that will know no end.’ Adding that Pope Francis ‘always tried to shed light on the problems of our time with the wisdom of the Gospel’.
The Cardinal also highlighted some significant journeys which mark the Pontificate of Pope Francis, such as his journeys to Lampedusa, Lesbos, Mexico-United States border, Iraq, etc . These journeys highlight the values that were dear to him, such as his attention for the poor, suffering and marginalized. He also challenged the world to embrace peace and build bridges instead of walls.
The Cardinal also touched on the apostolic exhortation, “Evangelii gaudium”, as well as encyclicals of Pope Francis, such “Fratelli tutti” and “Laudato si”. These are very rich treasures that Pope Francis leaves for the world.
At the end of the Requiem Mass , which was solemn yet beautiful, Pope Francis’ mortal remains were conveyed across the Eternal City to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, for burial.
Pope Francis always wanted to “smell the sheep”, to be with the people, such that despite his ill health he still made sure on Easter Sunday, he blessed us from the Balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and came down to the Square to greet large crowds who were gathered there.
We will surely miss Pope Francis. We continue to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. May we continue to live out the values of the Gospel which Pope Francis challenged our world to embrace, such us mercy, peace, love, fraternity, solidarity, care for our common home, respect for every human life and living out our Catholic faith with joy.
By: Vitus Danaa Abobo, M.Afr.