Grief for Pope Francis: 400,000 believers say goodbye to Rome

Grief for Pope Francis: 400,000 believers say goodbye to Rome

Petersplatz, Rom, Italien - On April 26, 2025, around 400,000 people gathered in Rome to pay the late Pope Francis the last honor. The funeral service, which took place in St. Peter's Basilica and on the adjacent St. Peter's Square, went solemnly and without incident. The head of civil protection, Fabio Ciciliano, honored the great sympathy of citizens and believers from all over the world and thanked the 3,000 volunteers who supported the day. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the good organization of the event and thanked the security forces and the municipality of Rome for their cooperation.

The ceremony was characterized by a remarkable international participation, in which 160 delegations and numerous heads of state and government, including US President Donald Trump, were present. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri expressed his satisfaction about the smooth process and emphasized the cohesion and the citizenship of the Romans. According to OE24 the organization of the funeral was the result of exceptional teamwork.

safety precautions and arrival of the delegations

Before St. Peter's Basilica had gathered to say goodbye to Pope Francis. Over 100,000 people had already passed the coffin, while the authorities expected around 200,000 people. Safety measures were drastically increased around the Vatican, including a flight ban zone and the presence of special forces of the Italian military with drone defense devices. Strict access management ensured that access to St. Peter's Square was closely monitored. ZDF reports that large monitors, mobile toilets and medical services were also provided.

For the funeral service, participants from many countries had announced themselves. The German delegation included high-ranking representatives such as Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Royals like Prince William, King Philippe and Queen Mary were also among those present. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Poland President Andrzej Duda also promised their participation. In the meantime it became known that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not take part in the ceremony, although a representative of Russia has not yet been named.

last honor and burial

The open coffin of Pope Francis stood in front of the main altar of St. Peter's Basic during the funeral service. The possibility of paying the Pope the last honor ended on Friday evening. On Saturday morning, the body was transported to the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, Francis' favorite church. The dead mass and the transfer were characterized by great symbolism. Church and Life reported that the body is simply attached from white marble with the inscription "Franciscus". In addition to the cardinals, bishops, priests and vatican staff were also present at the dead fair.

The unexpected news of Pope Francis' death had shaken the community of faith. Numerous condolences were received worldwide and in churches mourners can register in condolence books. Despite the pain of the loss, the funeral service became an impressive sign of cohesion and faith. Many people have moved deeply the extraordinary sympathy and the proper execution of the event.