On a deeply ironic day, as the world was congratulating the Catholic Church for taking such an enlightened step, Pope Francis was laid to rest. Now he has become the first pope in more than a century to be buried outside of the Vatican. His remains now lie in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of central Rome’s great papal basilicas. This historic event drew an astounding outpouring of preparation from the believers. Some 250,000 mourners jammed the Vatican funeral, some 150,000 more doubled that number, crowding the streets of downtown Rome.
His funeral service recognized an Argentine born Pontiff, Pope Francis, who was endearingly called the “Porteño Pope” for his roots in Argentina. His plain wooden coffin was topped with his papal cross. It was a fitting charge and a clear reflection of his modest understanding of what it means to lead. The procession through Rome was an incredibly emotional event, with hundreds of thousands of faithful lining the streets to give their final respects.
In the liturgical homily, Cardinal Re focused on the theme of Pope Francis’ lifelong vocation of accompanying marginalized people. He recounted how the late pope “incessantly raised his voice, imploring peace and calling for reason and inviting honest negotiation to find possible solutions.” This was a welcome message for many of the attendees— largely social workers — who looked up to Pope Francis as a social justice warrior.
Indeed, as Pope Francis has held Santa Maria Maggiore’s Marian shrine dear throughout his life. Today his burial site under the icon of the Virgin Mary at this Norman-era abbey takes on special meaning. When revered at this site, the Virgin Mary is venerated under the title of Salus Populi Romani. This title represents her priestly duty to protect and guard the Roman people.
Here’s what some attendees from all over the world had to say about the awesomeness that has been introduced by Pope Francis. Valeria, a visiting Australian, absorbed the inspiration of the pope exhorting her and her fellow Australians to go out and serve the poor. She told the story of her grief at his death and her dreams for a more inclusive Church someday. We’re terribly sorry for Papa Francesco, she said. “He did his best, but I would have liked to see more women in the church.”
Carla Sandrea from Madrid echoed similar thoughts, stating, “For me he represents a great Pope. A Pope of inclusion, the Pope of the poor, the Pope of the marginalised of the Church.” She continued that his legacy has sparked an enormous movement both across Europe and here in America.
London based Finlay Hyde provided an artist’s perspective that was especially refreshing. Religion is not really my thing, but I was struck by the universal grief for the passing of Pope Francis. “It’s quite upsetting…it’s amazing to see everyone come out, everyone clapping as he goes past,” he remarked.
Catholics of all kinds joined the funeral procession, but so did many non-Catholics, as well as people who were not religious at all. What connected them was their love of Pope Francis and his kindness and humanity. Millions of Argentine faithful promised to be “little Francises,” formed by his example to go out and serve those who need it the most.
