At his funeral on Saturday, Pope Francis was honored as a pontiff of “strength and serenity,” remembered for shaping his papacy after the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. In front of a crowd of nearly 200,000 mourners gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, delivered a moving homily celebrating the late pope’s life and legacy.

“In this majestic Saint Peter’s Square, where Pope Francis so often celebrated the Eucharist and led countless gatherings over the past twelve years, we are gathered today, hearts heavy with sadness, around his mortal remains,” Re said. “Yet we are sustained by the certainty of faith that human life does not end at the grave, but continues into the Father’s house, where happiness knows no end.”

Cardinal Re extended deep thanks to the heads of state, government leaders, and official delegations from around the world who traveled to Vatican City to pay their final respects, acknowledging the immense affection and esteem Pope Francis inspired across the globe.

The cardinal reflected on the public’s overwhelming outpouring of love in recent days, describing it as a testament to how deeply Francis’ pontificate touched the minds and hearts of millions. He recalled the powerful final image of the pope—frail but determined—offering his blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday, then descending into the square in the popemobile to greet the faithful one last time.

“With our prayers, we now entrust the soul of our beloved Pontiff to God, that He may welcome him into eternal happiness, illuminated by the infinite love of His gaze,” Re said.

Drawing from the Gospel passage where Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” and entrusts him with the mission to “feed my sheep,” Cardinal Re reflected on the sacred responsibility that has defined Peter and all his successors: a lifelong service rooted in love, humility, and sacrifice.

“Like Christ, who came not to be served but to serve and give his life for many, Pope Francis followed that same path, faithfully shepherding the Church with compassion and courage,” Re said.

The funeral marked a solemn and profound farewell to a pope who reshaped the Church with his message of humility, mercy, and commitment to the poor.