‘A living Gospel’: What mourners say about Pope Francis

Why Catholics say they came to a papal funeral

Pope Francis’ funeral was celebrated in Saint Peter’s Square on April 26 with more than 150,000 participants mourning the pontiff.

Cardinals at the funeral Mass of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025. Edgar Beltrán/Pillar Media.

Some had initially come to Rome for the cancelled canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, while others lived in R…