Pope Francis has been laid to rest a solemn ceremony Rome. The funeral and procession were attended more than 250,000 people. Many high-ranking church officials, royalty, heads state, and foreign dignitaries paid their respects to the pontiff the magnificent 16th-century St Peter's Basilica. The Vatican News website called the ceremony "moving, intense, and heartfelt". Pope Francis passed away Easter Monday, aged 88, after serving as head the Catholic Church for 12 years. Francis was the first Pope South America. A Catholic Church cardinal said the outpouring affection the Vatican streets "tells us how much Pope Francis touched minds and hearts".
Pope Francis was a hugely popular pontiff. He was seen as a man who did his utmost to bring people together. Cardinal Re told mourners that the late Pope had a deep commitment to the plight migrants and to world peace. Cardinal Re said Francis had constantly urged people to "build bridges, not walls". Francis was always outspoken his criticism of war. He continually urged leaders to end conflicts Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and Myanmar. Francis will also be remembered his calls for greater inclusivity. He gave his conditional blessing same-sex couples. He also recognized transgender and LGBTQ+ issues, even though this brought criticism conservatives.
