Tens of thousands mourn Francis: Historical funeral today!

Tens of thousands mourn Francis: Historical funeral today!

Vatikanstadt, Italien - On April 26, 2025, tens of thousands of mourners flocked to St. Peter's Square in Rome today to say goodbye to Pope Francis one last time. The first Latin American Pope died on April 21 at the age of 88 of the consequences of a stroke after being treated for several weeks in the Gemelli Clinic in Rome for pneumonia. The emotional funeral service was visited by international dignitaries, including Olaf Scholz and Ursula von der Leyen.

The ceremony attracted large crowds early in the early morning. Many people had waited overnight to be the first for the moving occasion. During the three days of attitude in Petersbazilica, around 250,000 people paid respect to the late Pope. Andrea Ugalde, a mourners from Los Angeles, commented on: "He was not only the Pope, he was what the definition of humanity is." Gabriela Lazo from Peru was also deeply affected and explained that her family had spent all night in the car to be present at the funeral service.

memory of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, bourgeois Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires. He joined the Jesuit Order in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. In 1992 he was appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires and Cardinal in 2001. On March 13, 2013, Francis was elected Pope 266, and he was known for his popular, modest and reform -oriented attitude. He always campaigned for social justice, environmental protection and interreligious dialogue and played an important role in the diplomatic approach between Cuba and the USA.

After the burial in the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, the "Novemiales", a nine -day funeral period with daily commemorative fairs, begins. During this time, the cardinals entitled to vote prepare for the pope election. All active cardinals under the age of 80 are entitled to take part in a conclave that meets within 20 days of the Pope's death. The election takes place in secret votes until a candidate receives more than two thirds of the votes. Possible successors for the papal office are already in the discussion, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pietro Parolin and Matteo Zupi.

complex security measures

Italian and Vatican authorities have taken extensive security measures for the funeral service. A flight ban zone applies, combat aircraft are on will, and snipers have been positioned on roofs to ensure security during the ceremony. Over 50 heads of state and high -ranking politicians took part in the significant event.

The choice of a new Pope is being followed with special attention, especially since favorites have already emerged. Historical data show that the duration of such conclavations in modern times was significantly shortened, in contrast to earlier times when the election could take months or even years. The entire burial is broadcast in the media worldwide, including ARD and ZDF and the Vatican TV service.