Pope Francis will be laid to rest at St. Mary Major in Vatican City, with a poignant farewell ceremony involving a group of poor and needy individuals. This act symbolizes the legacy of the late pontiff, who chose his name to reflect the values of poverty and peace embodied by Saint Francis of Assisi. As part of this final tribute, vulnerable members of society will be present at the Basilica to pay their respects before the Pope’s casket is entombed.
The Vatican emphasized the significance of this moment, highlighting how it contrasts with the farewell he will receive from the world’s rich and powerful, including heads of state, cardinals, and clergy, as he departs from St. Peter’s Square after his funeral. This juxtaposition illustrates the essence of Pope Francis’s papacy and his commitment to serving those in need, reinforcing a legacy centered on compassion and humility.
In choosing this approach to his burial, the Vatican expects the gathering of the poor and destitute to be a meaningful reflection of Pope Francis’s life and ministry. It underscores his dedication to addressing social inequalities and his connection to the marginalized. Serving as a powerful reminder of the values that guided his papacy, the presence of the needy at his final resting place is intended to honor his commitment to lifting the downtrodden and advocating for a church that serves all, especially those on the periphery of society. This final gesture exemplifies the lessons he imparted throughout his time as the leader of the Catholic Church.
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