A World Mourns: The Burial of Pope Francis On April 26, 2025, the world gathered to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, during a historic and solemn ceremony at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The funeral drew an estimated 400,000 mourners, including over 130 official delegations and 80 heads of state and government, reflecting the immense global impact of his papacy. A Humble Farewell Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 following a cerebral stroke. His funeral Mass was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. In keeping with Pope Francis’s personal wishes for simplicity, his body was displayed at St. Peter’s Basilica without the traditional elevated bier. Thousands of faithful from around the world queued patiently to pay their respects over three days. Following the funeral Mass, Pope Francis was laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome—...