At Pope Francis’s Requiem Mass on Saturday, millions of people from all walks of life, including world leaders, flocked to St. Peter’s Square to say their final goodbyes.
According to reports, Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025. He was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Approximately 250 Cardinals, Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, consecrated religious, and laypeople joined Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, in celebrating the Requiem Mass.
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In his homily, Cardinal Re discussed the numerous high points of his extraordinary and demanding twelve years of Petrine Ministry, which were characterized by his connection to the people, his spontaneous deeds right up until the end, and—above all—his abiding love for the Church.
“We are gathered here in great numbers to pray for Pope Francis, believing that God will accept him into the depths of His love, spiritually united with all of Christianity.” Pope Francis would often remark, “Remember to pray for me,” when he ended his talks and one-on-one meetings.
We now ask that you pray for us, Pope Francis. As you did last Sunday from the balcony of this basilica in a final embrace with all of God’s people as well as with all of humanity—that humanity that holds high the torch of hope and seeks the truth with a sincere heart—may you bless the Church, bless Rome, and we ask you to bless the entire world from heaven,” Cardina Re said.
