Pope Francis on his last way – Diepresse.com
Pope Francis’ coffin arrived at his final resting place in the basilica Maria Santa Maggiore near the Roman main station.
The funeral procession led through the city center of Rome past many sights – such as the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Numerous people were already waiting for the funeral procession in the streets of Rome. On Italian television you could see how people set up along the route. Numerous people were already found on the forecourt of the Marienkirche in the center of Rome.
Funeral service with hundreds of thousands for Francis on PeterSplatz
The funeral service for Francis on St. Peter’s Square had previously ended after a good two hours. The coffin with the Pontifex was carried back to St. Peter’s Basilica by the large altar outdoors. Previously, the carriers had briefly erected the coffin on St. Peter’s Square at the head end. According to the church tradition, the Pope could look at Rome again – a pontiff is always the bishop of Rome.
Many of the hundreds of thousands of people applauded on the square and in the surrounding streets. In addition to 224 cardinals and 750 bishops, around 50 heads of state and government took part in the funeral service. At the end of the service, more than 250,000 people were present, the Holy Stuhl said at noon.
Francis as a « bridge builder » and « voice of peace »
The funeral fair recalled Francis as a bridge builder. « ‘Building bridges and no walls’ is a request that he (Francis) repeated several times, » said the dean of the Cardinal College, Giovanni Battista Re, in his sermon on St. Peter’s Square. In view of the wars, Francis repeatedly called for « honest negotiations » during his pontificate. The Pope had « kept raising his voice to ask for peace and call for reason, » said Battista Re. In Francis’ eyes, war only means the death of people, which means destruction of houses, hospitals and schools.
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It is asked for reconciliation, peace and salvation for the whole world.
« He touched his hearts, » said Battista Re. « His gestures and warnings are countless in favor of refugees and displaced people. And he was tireless in his commitment to the poor, » said the dean of the Cardinal College. Battista Re already led the funeral service for Francis’ predecessor Benedict XVI. 2023.
Top politician proved the last honor
The service and associated the arrival of more than 160 delegations caused a state of emergency in Rome. Among other things, because of US President Trump, who had landed on Friday evening with his wife Melania in Air Force One at Fiumicino Airport, there was extreme security measures. Several streets in the Italian capital were closed. Around 10,000 emergency services were offered to ensure that the major event runs smoothly.
The many state guests took a seat on the side of the altar. President Javier Milei from Francis’ Heimatland Argentina was sitting at the front. Contrary to his own hint, Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj. The Austrian delegation is headed by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP). Several Austrian bishops, including the Archbishop of Salzburg, Franz Lackner, chairman of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference, are also part of the celebrations.
Massive safety precautions
The entire area around the Vatican is strictly guarded, the highest safety precautions apply. Snipers, dog squadrons, patrols on the river Tiber, police officers and soldiers with anti-drone technology and other special units were used. The Italian army is also on standby with fighter jets. (APA)
