Pope Francis laid to rest as world leaders mourn

Pope Francis was laid to rest on Saturday at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore following a moving funeral service at the Vatican, attended by global leaders and hundreds of thousands of mourners.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who led the funeral Mass, described the late pontiff as a man who "touched minds and hearts" and who "wanted to build bridges, not walls". His words captured the spirit of a papacy that prioritised compassion, dialogue, and unity over division.

An estimated 400,000 people gathered in and around St Peter’s Square to pay their final respects, as Rome came to a near standstill for the historic farewell.

Among the dignitaries present were former US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Prince William, representing the United Kingdom.

In a notable moment before the service began, Trump and Zelensky held a brief meeting inside St Peter’s Basilica. President Zelensky later described the encounter as one that "has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results". The conversation hints at possible future cooperation between the two political figures.

The Ukrainians also released an official photograph showing Trump and Zelensky in deep discussion alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, signalling a rare moment of unity among leaders whose countries have played pivotal roles on the global stage.

The atmosphere throughout the day was one of solemn reflection mixed with admiration for a pope who had, throughout his pontificate, championed the marginalised and called for peace in a fractured world.

Pope Francis' final resting place, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, held special significance for him. It was there that he often prayed before and after his apostolic journeys, seeking protection and guidance from the Virgin Mary.

As the bells of Rome tolled and the crowds dispersed, there was a prevailing sense that Pope Francis' message of hope, humility, and inclusiveness would resonate long beyond his lifetime, reports UNB.