A final farewell: Pope Francis cremated after historic funeral

Hundreds of thousands of mourners, world leaders and royalty gathered on Saturday to pay their last respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His death from a stroke, following a battle with double pneumonia, marked the end of a historic papacy as the first Latin American Pope. 

Also Read: Pope Francis passes away at 88, world mourns the People’s Pope

Departing from centuries of tradition, Pope Francis had requested a simple end to his journey. After a grand ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica, where cardinals in crimson robes carried his coffin before a crowd that broke into thunderous applause, his remains were cremated, honoring his wish for modesty. Unlike his predecessors buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, his ashes will rest at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, just outside Vatican City. 

Over the past three days, more than 250,000 faithful visited to bid farewell. Dignitaries including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prince William joined 54 heads of state and 12 royals to honor his memory, even amid differing views with the late pontiff on global issues. 

In his final public act, Pope Francis greeted followers on Easter Sunday, delivering a message centered on peace, religious freedom and hope. His last words on social media echoed that spirit: "Christ is risen! This proclamation contains the entire meaning of our existence, which is not made for death but for life. #Easter."