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The official announcement of his death stated, "At 7:35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. He taught us to live the values of the gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love." These words resonated within the hearts of many as they gathered to honor his memory.
A Profound Public Mourning
In the days leading up to the funeral, Pope Francis's body lay in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, where an estimated 250,000 people came to pay their respects. This outpouring of love and reverence served as a testament to the Pontiff’s compassionate leadership and his commitment to uplifting the marginalized across the globe.