Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio in Vatican City alongside other global leaders on Saturday, 26th April, 2025 to pay tribute to Pope Francis during the Requiem Mass held in St. Peter’s Square.
The event drew an estimated 250,000 mourners, all converged to honor the life and impactful legacy of the 266th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, who served with dedication for 12 years.
President Bio attended the Mass along with prominent African leaders, including President William Ruto of Kenya and President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ceremony included delegates from more than 130 countries, showcasing the universal reverence for Pope Francis and his message of kindness and inclusivity.
Dignitaries such as U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Prince William representing King Charles III also attended the ceremony.
In a touching homily, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re stressed on the late Pope’s commitment to humility and his dedication to advocating for marginalized communities. He referred to Pope Francis as “a shepherd of the people,” reinforcing the need for a Church that remains open and welcoming to everyone.
President Bio, reflecting on his personal admiration for Pope Francis, remarked, “His dedication to peace, social justice, and interfaith dialogue resonated deeply with the people of Sierra Leone and across Africa.” He conveyed a sense of loss felt by many, noting that “Pope Francis was a beacon of hope and compassion” during his tenure as Pontiff.
As the funeral procession came to a close, Pope Francis was laid to rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in alignment with his desire for a humble burial. His simple wooden coffin, adorned only with a crucifix and his coat of arms, symbolized his life of simplicity and service.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, President Bio’s participation in the funeral highlighted the profound impact of the Pontiff’s message of compassion and unity.
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