Pope Francis' funeral took place in Vatican City, attended by a diverse assembly, including world leaders and marginalized communities. His unembellished coffin symbolized his preference for simplicity in life and death, contrasting with traditional opulence. Notably, an honor guard included migrants and the homeless, echoing the values he upheld during his papacy. The ceremony, despite its solemnity, drew large crowds who honored his legacy of inclusiveness and compassion, making it more of a pastoral farewell than a ceremonial sovereign send-off, aligning with his commitment to essential values throughout his life.
As dawn broke Saturday over Vatican City, thousands of Catholic faithful poured into St. Peter's Square. Some wrapped themselves in national flags - Brazil, Lebanon, Australia.
The changes, officials said, were meant to honor the wishes of the first Jesuit pope, who had taken a vow of poverty and aimed to make the proceedings seem more like the funeral of a pastor.
The pope's unadorned tomb, marked by a single Latin word - Franciscus - was intended to reflect a life of 'simplicity and essential things.'
...a funeral attended by monarchs, presidents and cardinals but that aimed to conclude with a different group of exalted guests - an honor guard made up of migrants, prisoners, and the homeless.
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