CITIZENS COMPASS– Jorge Mario Bergoglio also known as Pope Francis was buried on Saturday, at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, Italy.
The burial took place after a funeral Mass held at St Peter’s Square.
Born on December 17, 1936, in Flores, a neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025.
The Argentine pontiff was buried on Saturday during a short 30-minute ceremony that began at 1:00 pm (1100 GMT). His final resting place is the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, located in the heart of Rome.
The Requiem Mass was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who is the Dean of the College of Cardinals. He was joined by about 250 religious leaders, including Cardinals, Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, members of religious orders, and lay faithful.
During his homily, Cardinal Re spoke about Pope Francis’ remarkable 12 years of leadership. He highlighted the Pope’s deep connection with people, his spontaneous acts, and his strong love for the Church that remained steady until his last days.
Cardinal Re said: “Spiritually united with all of Christianity, we are here in large numbers to pray for Pope Francis, that God may welcome him into the immensity of His love.”
He also recalled the Pope’s familiar words at the end of many of his speeches and meetings, saying: “Pope Francis used to conclude his speeches and personal encounters by saying, ‘Do not forget to pray for me’.”
Concluding, Cardinal Re added: “Now, dear Pope Francis, we ask you to pray for us. May you bless the Church, bless Rome, and we ask you to bless the whole world from heaven as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this Basilica in a final embrace with all the people of God, but also with the whole of humanity, with that humanity that seeks the truth with a sincere heart and holds high the torch of hope.”
