Thousands fill St. Peter's Square to say farewell to a beloved pope
An official period of mourning has begun with Pope Francis' funeral Mass, where he was remembered as a pope of the people
by NBC Staff, NBC Staff · 5 NBCDFWWhat to Know
- Francis chose his place of burial outside the Vatican's walls in St. Mary Major Basilica near an icon of the Madonna that he revered and often prayed before. Prisoners and migrants ushered him into the basilica, reflecting his priorities as pope.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re eulogized Pope Francis as a pope of the people, a pastor who knew how to communicate to the “least among us”
- President Donald Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, was seated among world leaders and foreign dignitaries in St. Peter's Square.
- The work of the conclave to choose a new pope won’t start until at least May 5, after nine days of public mourning.
This live blog of Pope Francis' funeral has ended.