Vatican: Grand Funeral for teh “Pope of the Poor”
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over 200,000 faithful and 160 delegations are expected in St. Peter’s Square this Saturday for the funeral of Pope Francis.
Francis, “the Pope of the Poor,” will be honored wiht a grand funeral this Saturday in St. Peter’s Square. More than 200,000 faithful, around fifty heads of state, and about ten crowned heads are expected too attend.
The death of the first South American Pope, elected in 2013 and who passed away on Monday at the age of 88 from a stroke, has sparked global emotion and unanimous tributes, even from Donald Trump, whose anti-immigrant policies he had strongly criticized.
The American President, accompanied by his wife Melania, arrived in Rome on Friday evening around 9:00 PM GMT (11:00 PM in Switzerland) and may hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the ceremony on Saturday, for example, with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who is upset about his decision to raise tariffs.
Though, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday evening that he was not certain he would “have the time” to make the trip.
Giant Screens
The mass, with its very solemn ritual, is scheduled to begin on Saturday at 8:00 AM GMT in the majestic setting of St. Peter’s Square, a jewel set in front of the basilica and nestled in Bernini’s colonnade, a masterpiece of Baroque art.
It will be presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, the Italian Giovanni Battista Re. Giant screens have been installed all along the Via della Conciliazione, the grand avenue connecting the Vatican to the banks of the Tiber, to allow the crowd to follow it.
This week, more than 250,000 people waited for hours to pay their respects before the remains of the head of 1.4 billion Catholics, displayed under the gold of St. Peter’s Basilica.Faced with this influx,the Vatican was even forced to leave the doors of the basilica open all night.
“He paid attention to many people who were previously invisible,” Sofiia Popkova, a 19-year-old Kyrgyz, told AFP after paying her respects, hoping to attend the funeral open to the public.
Closed Coffin
This outpouring reflects the popularity of this tireless defender of peace, migrants, and the marginalized, who has become over the years a moral compass in an increasingly unstable world. His simplicity, kindness, and frankness…
pope Francis Funeral: A Global Event – Expert Analysis
The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, and preparations are underway for a monumental funeral in Vatican City. To delve deeper into the importance of this event, we spoke with Dr. Alistair Fairbanks,a leading scholar in religious studies and Vatican affairs.
Time.news: Dr. Fairbanks,thank you for joining us. The article highlights the sheer scale of Pope Francis’s funeral, with over 200,000 faithful expected, along with numerous heads of state and royalty. What does this outpouring of support tell us about Pope Francis’s impact?
Dr. Fairbanks: It’s a testament to his global reach and the profound connection he forged with people from all walks of life. The expected attendance – the faithful, world leaders, and reigning monarchs – reflects his role as not only the head of the Catholic Church but also a moral authority on the world stage. His focus on the poor and marginalized resonated far beyond the Catholic community.
Time.news: The article also mentions the presence of President Trump, despite past disagreements with Pope Francis. How important is the attendance of political figures like him at the Pope’s funeral?
Dr. Fairbanks: It’s a demonstration of respect, regardless of political differences.The death of a Pope is a major ancient event that transcends political divides. The presence of world leaders underscores the Vatican’s diplomatic importance and the Pope’s influence on global affairs. even tho Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is unsure if he will be there, diplomacy on the side of the funeral mass is expected.
Time.news: The funeral mass is being held in St. Peter’s Square and broadcast on giant screens along via della Conciliazione. what can viewers expect from this event?
Dr.Fairbanks: The funeral of Pope Francis will be a deeply moving and symbolic event steeped in tradition. St. Peter’s Square is a splendid setting for the mass. The music, prayers, and rituals hold centuries of history, and the mass will be presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re. The giant screens ensure that anyone who wants to be present, can. The sheer scale of the crowd and the solemnity of the occasion will undoubtedly create a powerful experience for those attending and watching around the world.
Time.news: The article mentions that over 250,000 people paid their respects this week, with the Vatican even keeping the Basilica open all night. What does this level of devotion signify about Pope Francis’s legacy?
Dr. Fairbanks: Pope Francis connected with people on a personal level. His emphasis on compassion, humility, and social justice struck a chord with individuals seeking spiritual guidance and a more equitable world. The long queues and the decision to keep the Basilica open all night demonstrate the deep emotional connection that so many people felt with pope francis. His legacy truly is as “the Pope of the Poor”.
Time.news: for those unable to attend the Pope Francis funeral mass in person, what’s the best way to follow the events and understand their significance?
Dr. Fairbanks: Staying informed through reputable news outlets is crucial. Many organizations will provide live coverage, commentary, and analysis of the ceremonies, helping viewers understand the historical and religious significance of each moment. Also, look for background information and profiles of Pope Francis to fully appreciate his contributions and legacy. [[1]], [[3]], and [[2]]