Particle.news
Download on the App Store
28 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

Pope Francis Laid to Rest as 400,000 Gather to Honor His Legacy

The late pontiff's simple funeral marked the end of a transformative 12-year papacy focused on humility, inclusivity, and reform.

A view shows a shirt of the San Lorenzo de Almagro, Pope Francis' hometown soccer team, with a badge with an image of him and a message reading "together for eternity", on the day of an Argentine first division match against Rosario Central, following the death of the pontiff, at the Pedro Bidegain stadium, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 26, 2025. REUTERS/Cristina Sille
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - APRIL 26: Members of the faithful gather during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican.
Players of San Lorenzo de Almagro, Pope Francis' hometown soccer team, pose for a team group photo with a banner that reads: "San Lorenzo and Francis, together for eternity", on the day of an Argentine first division match against Rosario Central, following the death of the pontiff, at the Pedro Bidegain stadium, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 26, 2025. REUTERS/Cristina Sille

Overview

  • Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at age 88, was buried at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica following a simplified funeral in St. Peter's Square attended by 400,000 mourners, including over 160 world leaders.
  • Known as 'the People’s Pope,' Francis emphasized compassion for the marginalized, climate action, and inclusivity, advocating for migrants and pastoral outreach to divorced and LGBT Catholics.
  • He implemented significant Vatican reforms, including financial oversight, appointing women to senior roles, and simplifying liturgical rites, leaving a legacy of transparency and service.
  • Francis was the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, remembered for living modestly and prioritizing the Church’s mission as a 'field hospital' for those in need.
  • A conclave of 135 cardinals will convene between May 6 and May 12 to elect his successor, with a two-thirds majority vote required to determine the next pontiff.