Sermon Delivered at Pope Francis' Funeral Service
Pope Francis' Final Farewell: A Life of Service, Mercy, and Fraternity
Pope Francis' funeral Mass, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re at the Vatican on April 26, marked the end of a papacy that was marked by a deep commitment to service, mercy, and fraternity.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was known for his numerous gestures and exhortations in favor of refugees and displaced persons. He often forcefully reminded us that we all belong to the same human family. This was evident in his trips to Lesbos, an island symbolizing the tragedy of emigration, and the border between Mexico and the United States during his journey to Mexico.
Pope Francis' service of faith as Successor of the Apostle Peter was always linked to the service of humanity in all its dimensions. He reached "the most peripheral periphery of the world" with his 2024 Apostolic Journey to four countries in Asia-Oceania. His first papal journey was to Lampedusa, a symbol of the challenges faced by migrants and refugees.
In his Encyclical Letter Fratelli tutti, Pope Francis wanted to revive a worldwide aspiration to fraternity, emphasizing that we are all children of the same Father who is in heaven. He also drew attention to our duties and shared responsibility for our common home, stating, "No one is saved alone." This was further emphasized in Laudato si', where he called for a renewed commitment to care for our planet.
Pope Francis placed the Gospel of mercy at the center of his pontificate and called for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy to highlight its importance. He often used the image of the Church as a "field hospital" to represent his desire to care for the problems of people and the great anxieties of the contemporary world.
Pope Francis was not just a religious leader, but also a voice of peace in a world torn by conflict. He incessantly raised his voice imploring peace and calling for reason and honest negotiation to find possible solutions to raging wars. His trip to Iraq in 2021 served as a balm on the open wounds of the Iraqi people and an important trip for interreligious dialogue.
Cardinal Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis, had many years of experience in religious life and pastoral ministry before his election in 2013. He chose to follow the path of self-giving until the last day of his earthly life, emulating the Good Shepherd who loved his sheep.
Spiritually united with all of Christianity, we are here in large numbers to pray for Pope Francis, asking God to welcome him into the immensity of his love. The Gospel passage quoted in the homily was from the very voice of Christ asking Peter if he loved him. Pope Francis used to conclude his speeches and meetings by saying, "Do not forget to pray for me," and he continued to do so until the end.
Official delegations from 130 countries, including 50 heads of state and 10 crowned monarchs, have been sent to the Vatican City for Pope Francis' funeral. The funeral took place in Saint Peter's Square, where Pope Francis had celebrated many Eucharists and presided over large gatherings.
Cardinal Re emphasized Pope Francis' call to "build bridges, not walls" in his homily. This exhortation, repeated many times by Pope Francis, was a guiding principle during his pontificate. Pope Francis' final image was riding in the popemobile on Easter Sunday, despite his serious health problems.
Pope Francis' decision to take the name Francis indicated his pastoral plan and style, seeking inspiration from the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi. He was known for his informal way of addressing everyone, even those far from the Church. He will be remembered as a pope who connected with people on a personal level, and his legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.
At the end, we pray that Pope Francis' soul is entrusted to God, with the hope of eternal happiness in God's love. May his example of service, mercy, and fraternity continue to guide us as we strive to build a better world.
