Pope Francis laid to rest following solemn exequial Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica

The Exequial Holy Mass for the late Pope Francis was celebrated at the parvis of the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica on April 26, in a moving ceremony that gathered faithful from around the world.

The Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, presided over the liturgy, which was concelebrated by cardinals and the patriarchs of the Eastern Churches. The atmosphere was deep prayer and mourning, as the Church bid farewell to a beloved shepherd who led the Catholic world for over twelve years.

After the Eucharistic celebration, the rites of Ultima Commendatio (final commendation) and Valedictio (farewell) were carried out. The Cardinal Vicar for the Diocese of Rome led the prayers for the Church of Rome, followed by the supplication of the Eastern Churches led by their Patriarchs, Major Archbishops, and Metropolitans. Cardinal Re then blessed the coffin of Pope Francis with holy water and incense.

According to Pope Francis' wishes, his coffin was moved to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major for burial after the liturgy.

In his homily, Cardinal Re reflected on Pope Francis’s enduring legacy, describing him as a shepherd who followed Christ’s example until the end. 

“Despite his frailty and suffering towards the end, Pope Francis chose the path of self-giving,” he said, recalling the pope’s dedication to the Church even in his final days.

Cardinal Re also thanked the many heads of state, dignitaries, and faithful who gathered to honor Pope Francis, noting the outpouring of affection seen across the world since his passing.

He highlighted key moments of Pope Francis’s pontificate, from his choice of the name "Francis," signaling a pastoral vision inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, to his firm commitment to the poor, migrants, and the marginalized. 

He recalled the pope’s memorable visits to Lampedusa, Lesbos, and Iraq, emphasizing his tireless work for peace, interreligious dialogue, and human fraternity.

“Mercy and the joy of the Gospel were at the heart of his mission,” Cardinal Re said, pointing to landmark documents like Evangelii Gaudium, Laudato si', and Fratelli tutti. He praised Pope Francis’s ability to address contemporary challenges with simplicity, compassion, and prophetic courage.

“Pope Francis was a builder of bridges, not walls. His voice, often raised against war and injustice, will continue to echo in our hearts,” he added.

As he concluded, Cardinal Re echoed the late pontiff’s frequent request: “Do not forget to pray for me.” With deep emotion, he invited the faithful to now entrust Pope Francis to God's infinite mercy and to ask for his prayers from heaven.

In his final public appearance on Easter Sunday (April 20), just days before his passing, Pope Francis offered a blessing from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica and greeted the faithful gathered in the square. This last gesture, Cardinal Re said, was “a final embrace” to the Church and all humanity.

“Dear Pope Francis, bless us from heaven, as you did so often on earth,” Cardinal Re prayed.

As the bells of Saint Peter’s rang out and thousands lifted their prayers to heaven, the Church bade farewell to a pope who changed the face of the papacy with humility, joy, and a heart close to the people.