Europe's Royals say goodbye: Pope Francis buried in Rome

Europe's Royals say goodbye: Pope Francis buried in Rome

Rom, Italien - On April 26, 2025, Pope Francis (1936-2025), one of the most influential popes in recent church history, took place in Rome. The funeral service attracted numerous European royals that attended religious ceremony and thus set a sign of unity. The presence of these heads of state was referred to as the "rare moment of unity" because they are often exposed to political differences. Around 200,000 believers persecuted the burial, which is one of the greatest religious events in recent years.

Prince William represented King Charles III. And came in a dark blue suit, while the Monegassian princely couple, Prince Albert and Princely Charlène, was of course present. Princess Charlène wore a traditional black ensemble with a veil, which underlined the sadness of the occasion. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were present from Norway, while the Swedish royal couple, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia, also paid an honorary offer. In addition, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde from Belgium as well as King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain were among the mourning guests. Spain had called for three days of state grants to honor the late Pope.

The legacy of Pope Francis

Pope Francis died on the morning of Easter Monday and leaves a diverse heritage. Michael Seewald, professor of dogmatics and dogm history at the University of Münster, takes stock of the twelve -year term of Pontifex. In his election, Francis stood unconventional with the words "Brothers and sisters: Buona sera!" In front of and shaped his pontificate due to the guiding concepts justice, mercy and synodality. He joined the injustices in the distribution of goods and focused on the weak of society, which brought him both admiration and resistance.

his approach was often perceived as modernizing because he tried to lead the Roman Catholic Church into the present. He criticized the highly ideological topics of American Catholicism, especially abortion and homosexuality, and advocated a merciful attitude towards migrants. His goal was to create a "bulged" church that actively cares about people in difficult situations.

reforms and challenges

During his tenure, Francis was skeptical about the synodal path in Germany, since he felt the church there as rich but sluggish and weak. The efforts to reform within the church that were initiated after the abuse scandal were partially slowed down in Rome. Nevertheless, Francis issued stricter rules for the prevention of sexual abuse and asked the Chilean Bishops' Conference to submit its resignation in terms of more than 30 bishops, an unprecedented measure in the history of the church.

With the death of Pope Francis, the church loses a charismatic leader who has left a lasting impression with his unconventional style and his tireless efforts for justice and mercy. The burial, in which numerous royals and believers participated, reflects the important role that he has taken in an international context. Gala and Zeit take a look at the colorful and at the same time exciting term of this extraordinary Pontifex.