On a solemn Saturday morning, over two hundred thousand people from diverse backgrounds filled St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding areas to pay their final respects to Pope Francis during his Requiem Mass. The event was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who was joined by approximately 250 Cardinals, Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, and other religious leaders in this historic celebration of faith and remembrance.
In his heartfelt homily, the Dean of the College of Cardinals reflected on the highlights of Pope Francis’s extraordinary 12-year Petrine Ministry, which was characterised by his close rapport with the faithful and his spontaneous gestures that resonated with people well beyond the Church. Most notably, the homily celebrated the profound love Pope Francis held for the Church and its mission.
Offering greetings to the many dignitaries and world leaders in attendance, Cardinal Re expressed how the outpouring of grief and admiration during the week of mourning was a testament to how much the pontificate of Pope Francis “touched minds and hearts” across the globe.
Referencing the Gospel, Cardinal Re remarked on the path of self-giving that Pope Francis embraced right until the end of his life, drawing parallels to Christ’s charge to Peter to shepherd His flock. “Despite his frailty and suffering towards the end, Pope Francis chose to follow this path of self-giving until the last day of his earthly life,” he said.
The cardinal reminisced about the vivid memory of Pope Francis last Easter Sunday, when, despite significant health challenges, he made the effort to bless the crowd from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, later taking the time to greet congregants in an open-top Popemobile. This indelible image serves as a powerful reminder of the Pope’s dedication and connection to his flock.
Cardinal Re also underscored the significance of Pope Francis’s choice to adopt the name Francis, noting it symbolised a pastoral approach reflective of Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his love and service to the poor and the marginalised. “He was a Pope among the people,” said Cardinal Re, emphasising his commitment to addressing contemporary issues and pastoral leadership with an open heart.
Pope Francis’s vision for evangelisation was central to his papacy, as expressed in his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium. Cardinal Re illustrated how the Holy Father’s conception of the Church as a “field hospital” demonstrated its role in tending to the wounds of the world. The Pope’s outreach to refugees and migrants, highlighted by visits to critical areas like Lampedusa and the US-Mexico border, further exemplified his compassion for those suffering on society’s peripheries.
Cardinal Re highlighted the Pope’s 47 Apostolic Journeys, particularly his visit to Iraq, which he called a “pastoral balm” aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue. These international travels showcased the Pope’s commitment to addressing the world’s deepest needs and encouraging peace amid conflict.
The cardinal also touched upon Pope Francis’s relentless advocacy for mercy and the culture of encounter, a recurring theme of his papacy. His declarations, including the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy and the Encyclical ‘Fratelli tutti’, highlighted his unyielding belief in global fraternity, which called for solidarity and peace among all people.
His environmental advocacy, illustrated in ‘Laudato si’’, widened the scope of his moral leadership, stressing humanity’s shared responsibility in caring for God’s creation. Cardinal Re succinctly summed up the profound impact of the pontiff’s messages as a voice of peace during some of the most tumultuous times in recent history.
In a moving conclusion, Cardinal Re invoked the memorable words with which Pope Francis often ended his audiences: “Do not forget to pray for me.” As the Mass drew to a close, the congregants echoed their plea, now asking Pope Francis to intercede for the Church and humanity from his heavenly abode. The heartfelt request was met with warm applause, illustrating the enduring impact of his spirit among the faithful.
“Dear Francis, we now ask you to pray for us,” Cardinal Re said, invoking the beloved Pope’s legacy of blessing the Church and the world as a final embrace for all humanity.