Notizie.it editorial team A farewell full of emotion
The churchyard of Santa Maria Maggiore was transformed into a place of reflection and love, where hundreds of people awaited the arrival of Pope Francis' coffin. Holding white roses and with shining eyes, those present paid homage to a Pontiff who dedicated his life to the most vulnerable.
The ceremony was not only a moment of mourning, but also a tribute to a man who was able to step down from his pedestal to embrace the 'different', those who found comfort and hope in his figure.
A Pope for the Poor
Francis has always had a special eye for the needy, migrants and LGBT+ people. During his pontificate, he launched messages of inclusion and welcome, trying to break down social barriers. The presence of former homeless people and migrants at his funeral is tangible evidence of a deep bond. Antonino, a man who lived on the streets, recalled the Pope's words: "Never say you are tired: help others until you can't stand on your own feet." These phrases resonate as an invitation to continue his work, to never forget those in difficulty.
A funeral for everyone
The funeral ceremony was attended by thousands of faithful, but also by representatives of humanitarian organizations such as UNHCR and Mediterranea. St. Peter's Square, usually reserved for the great of the Earth, opened up to those who live on the margins of society. Regina, a representative of the LGBT+ community, displayed a sign with the effigy of the Pontiff, asking that he be proclaimed a saint. "His holiness was in being close to the poor and against war," she declared, underlining the importance of the message of inclusion that Francis has always carried forward. His figure was a beacon of hope for many, and his funeral represented a moment of unity between the different souls of society.