University Students Attend Funeral of Pope Francis in Rome

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University News

Mourners gather in St. Peter's Square to pay their respects to Pope Francis.

News Summary

A group of students from the University of Dallas studying in Rome will attend the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, following his recent passing. The event is expected to draw significant attention and participation, reflecting the late pope’s impact on a global audience. The students aim to pay their respects during this historic occasion, highlighting connections fostered through the pope’s progressive teachings and outreach efforts.

Rome – A group of students from the University of Dallas studying at the school’s Rome campus will attend the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26. This follows the pope’s passing on April 21 due to a stroke he suffered at the Vatican. The students are set to leave early Saturday morning at 7 a.m. local time to arrive in St. Peter’s Square for the funeral service, which is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. local time (3 a.m. Dallas time).

Ron Rombs, the dean and director of the University of Dallas Rome Program, confirmed that the students will be present to pay their respects at this historic event. Pope Francis’ body has been lying in state in St. Peter’s Basilica since April 23, resting in a simple wooden coffin as a reflection of his humble approach to leadership.

The funeral is expected to attract significant attention and participation, with at least 130 foreign delegations, including multiple heads of state and a considerable number of international dignitaries, alongside an estimated 200,000 pilgrims anticipated to gather in St. Peter’s Square for the service. The event will feature a strong security presence, including members of the Italian police, military personnel, and Vatican Swiss Guards, ensuring the safety of all attendees.

The Vatican’s camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who previously served as bishop of the Diocese of Dallas, is leading the procession of the pope’s body into St. Peter’s Basilica. The funeral mass will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, and following the mass, a separate ceremony will take place for the burial at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. Notably, Pope Francis is the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican, a reflection of his personal wishes to be interred at this significant site, which houses an important icon of the Virgin Mary that he publicly venerated.

Among the university students attending the funeral, sophomore Aidan Fontenot noted his presence at Easter Mass where Pope Francis delivered his final blessing. Eve Cox, another sophomore and a new convert to Catholicism, conveyed the experience of witnessing Pope Francis during the Easter Mass as profoundly impactful. These sentiments reflect the deep connection many feel with the late pope, whose actions and teachings resonated with a global audience.

Pope Francis, known for his progressive stances and outreach to diverse populations, garnered a wide following during his papacy. His funeral is expected to draw attendance from people beyond the Catholic faith, highlighting his significant influence on social issues and interfaith dialogue.

Last year, Pope Francis made adjustments to the traditional papal funeral rites, opting for a simpler ceremony that aligned with his pastoral approach rather than embodying the grandeur often associated with the papacy. As the world prepares to say goodbye, the gathering of mourners paying their respects during the lying in state served as a testament to his impact and legacy.

Hundreds of thousands of individuals have already gathered to pay their final respects to the late pope, facing long lines as tribute to the man who served as a spiritual leader and advocate for change. The anticipation for the funeral itself promises to evoke significant emotions and reflections on the legacy of Pope Francis.