Presiding over the Solemn Requiem Mass, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, remarked that Pope Francis lived a life of self-giving until his final day, following the example of the Good Shepherd.
In his homily from the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Re reflected on Pope Francis’ 12 years of devoted Petrine ministry—marked by closeness to the people, spontaneous gestures, and, above all, a profound love for the Church.
Citing the Gospel where Christ entrusts Peter to shepherd His flock, Cardinal Re said Pope Francis, despite his frailty, followed the path of self-giving to the very end.
“The final image we have of him, which will remain etched in our memory, is that of last Sunday, Easter Sunday, when Pope Francis, despite his serious health problems, wanted to give us his blessing from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica. He then came down to this Square to greet the large crowd gathered for the Easter Mass while riding in the open-top Popemobile," Cardinal Re stated.
Cardinal Re highlighted that Pope Francis’ choice of name, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, reflected his pastoral vision, while his unique leadership style and resolute character quickly shaped the governance of the Church.
He further explained that evangelization has been central to Pope Francis’ vision, notably expressed in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. His portrayal of the Church as a “field hospital” emphasized its active engagement with the world’s wounds.
The Pope's outreach to migrants and refugees, symbolized by visits to Lampedusa, Lesbos, and the US-Mexico border, highlighted his deep solidarity with the suffering.
“His gestures and exhortations in favour of refugees and displaced persons are countless. His insistence on working on behalf of the poor was constant," said Cardinal Re.
Peace advocate
Cardinal Re pointed out that Pope Francis’ focus on environmental stewardship in Laudato si’ extended his moral leadership, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all creation and our shared duty to protect the planet.
In times of conflict, the Pope’s voice for peace was unwavering, declaring, “war is a defeat for humanity.”
The homily concluded on a poignant note, recalling Pope Francis’ familiar request at the end of his audiences and meetings: “Do not forget to pray for me.”
Cardinal Re remarked that now, as Pope Francis rests in God's embrace, the faithful return that plea, asking the beloved Pope to intercede for the Church, Rome, and the world from heaven.
“Dear Francis, we now ask you to pray for us. May you bless the Church, bless Rome, and bless the whole world from heaven as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this Basilica in a final embrace with all the people of God, but also embrace humanity that seeks the truth with a sincere heart and holds high the torch of hope," Cardinal Re said.
Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, from the Pope’s residence at Casa Santa Marta.
The Holy Father's death occurred after a 38-day hospitalization at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, where he was being treated for bilateral pneumonia.
His passing came just a day after he appeared before the faithful at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
He will be laid to rest in a simple tomb at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
