During his homily at the Requiem Mass for Pope Francis, the Dean of the College of Cardinals reflected on the highlights of his passionate and prophetic twelve years as Pope.

His pontificate was characterised by his connection to the people, particularly those who were the least and the last among us, as well as his profound love for the Church, which was open to all.

On the morning of Saturday, more than two hundred thousand people from all walks of life gathered in St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding areas to say their final goodbyes to Pope Francis during his Requiem Mass.

Approximately 250 Cardinals, Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, and Consecrated Religious were present during the solemn and poignant celebration that was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

In his homily, the Dean of the College of Cardinals went into the numerous highlights of his astonishing and intensive twelve years of Petrine Ministry.

His style of closeness to the people and the spontaneity of his gestures till the very last were the defining characteristics of his ministry, but the most important thing was his profound love for the Church.

A Pope who left an impression on the thoughts and feelings of a great number of people.

Cardinal Re expressed his gratitude to everyone who was present and extended his greetings to the numerous heads of state, heads of government, and official delegations from all over the world who were present at the Mass.

He also mentioned that the outpouring of support that was seen during this week of mourning provided a great deal of insight into the extent to which the pontificate of Pope Francis “touched minds and hearts” of a great number of people, not just those who were members of the Church. 

A reference was made to the chapter in the Gospel of Matthew in which Christ entrusted Peter with the responsibility of shepherding His flock.

The good shepherd stays close to his people until the very end.  There was a statement made by Cardinal Re that stated, “Despite his frailty and suffering towards the end, Pope Francis chose to follow this path of self-giving until the last day of his earthly life.”

In doing so, he “followed in the footsteps of his Lord, the Good Shepherd.” 

“The last vision we have of him, which will remain carved in our memory, is that of last Sunday, Easter Sunday, when Pope Francis, despite his significant health issues, wanted to give us his blessing from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

This is the image that will be etched in our mind forever.  Following that, he made his way down to this Square, where he was riding in the open-top Popemobile, in order to welcome the vast crowd that had gathered for the Easter Mass.