More than 160 nations sent delegations April 26, headed by kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, government officials and ambassadors.

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, papal nuncio to the United States, reflected on Pope Francis’ legacy and the evangelizing mission of the church in an interview that took place during the early meetings of the general congregations leading up to the conclave that will elect the next pope.

With clear blue skies and temperatures in the high-50s, a perfect day for the world to bid farewell to Pope Francis drew estimates of 1 million people to St. Peter’s Square April 26 to witness the funeral rites for the pontiff, who died April 21 at age 88.

The English translation of the prepared text of the homily, delivered in Italian by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican April 26, 2025.

Pope Francis was “a pope among the people, with an open heart toward everyone,” said Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, as he presided over the funeral of the pope, who died April 21 at the age of 88.