Outside the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, where Pope Francis’ coffin was quietly interred, the atmosphere remained heavy with emotion. Despite the church being closed to the public, people continued to gather in the square — some to reflect, others to capture the historic moment with photographs.
Grace, a 20-year-old dance teacher from Colchester, was among those who witnessed the solemn arrival of the Pope’s coffin.
“We felt blessed to be here,” she said. “It was really quiet as his coffin was arriving. Everyone was just praying or reflecting. It was nice to be part of something so special. We saw how much it meant to everyone.”
For others, the moment carried deep personal significance. A group of Argentinians living in Rome came wearing football shirts in honour of the first Latin American pope.
“We decided to come here as Argentinians to bring Francis our condolences and accompany him to his tomb,” Augustin shared.
“It is such a huge loss for us. But now we know he is resting in peace in a place he chose.”
Calling Pope Francis a “humble person with a big heart,” Augustin added, “It is a very sad day, not only for us Argentinians, but for the whole world.”
World Leaders Meet Amid Grief: Ceasefire Hopes Sparked at Funeral
Beyond the massive turnout of mourners — estimated at over 400,000 by Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi — Pope Francis’ funeral also became a rare moment of high-level diplomacy.
French President Emmanuel Macron met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the funeral and later revealed a “very positive exchange.”
Zelensky conveyed that Ukraine is “ready for an unconditional ceasefire,” emphasising that “ending the war in Ukraine is the goal we share with President Trump.”
Macron urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to step up:
“It is now up to Russian President Vladimir Putin to prove that he really wants peace.”
He also stressed that France would continue working toward peace through the “coalition of the willing” launched in Paris earlier this year.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, criticising recent Russian missile strikes that killed 12 civilians in Kyiv:
“It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?'”
Trump also met briefly with Zelensky at the Vatican before the funeral, with Zelensky later calling the meeting one that “has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results.”
Pope Francis Chooses Final Resting Place Outside Vatican Walls
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis’ coffin has been entombed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major — making him the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican grounds. His entombment was a private event, reserved for those closest to him.
“The Pope is the first in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican, and his entombment was a private event, allowing for those closest to him to pay their respects,” the Vatican statement read.
Pope Francis Laid To Rest At Santa Maria Maggiore As 400,000 Mourners, Royals, And Leaders Gather To Pay Tribute-
The decision to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore reflects Francis’ deep personal connection to the basilica, known for its symbolism of humility and service — qualities he championed throughout his papacy.
As crowds continue to gather to honour his memory, Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion, humility, and hope leaves an indelible mark not only on the Catholic Church but on the world.
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