April 26, 2025, brought together a sea of heartfelt mourners in St. Peter’s Square, as the world paid their last respects to Pope Francis. Many had braved the night on the streets, eager to honor a pontiff known for his compassion toward the poor and marginalized. As the sun rose, the square began to fill with people, while dignitaries, including cardinals, royals, and global leaders, took their places for the open-air Mass.
For those attending, the loss was profound and personal. Virginia Munos Ramires, a 30-year-old migrant from El Salvador, expressed her sorrow by saying, “More than a pope, he was a fatherly figure for us migrants,” showcasing the powerful connection he forged with diverse communities, particularly those who felt unseen. Many attendees reflected these sentiments, wearing jerseys and clothing from their home countries, showcasing their unity in grief.
As the Mass commenced, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re paid tribute to Pope Francis by recalling his inaugural trip to Lampedusa, an island epitomizing the migrant crisis in Europe. Cardinal Re emphasized that the pope was devoted to serving those at society's edges, describing him as someone who “gave himself without measure.” The atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square was electric, filled with applause and heartfelt acknowledgments of Pope Francis' profound impact on humanity.
For those attending, the loss was profound and personal. Virginia Munos Ramires, a 30-year-old migrant from El Salvador, expressed her sorrow by saying, “More than a pope, he was a fatherly figure for us migrants,” showcasing the powerful connection he forged with diverse communities, particularly those who felt unseen. Many attendees reflected these sentiments, wearing jerseys and clothing from their home countries, showcasing their unity in grief.
As the Mass commenced, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re paid tribute to Pope Francis by recalling his inaugural trip to Lampedusa, an island epitomizing the migrant crisis in Europe. Cardinal Re emphasized that the pope was devoted to serving those at society's edges, describing him as someone who “gave himself without measure.” The atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square was electric, filled with applause and heartfelt acknowledgments of Pope Francis' profound impact on humanity.
