Thousands of mourners flooded Vatican City as thousands gathered to honor the late Pope Francis during his funeral service held at St. Peter’s Square.Photo Courtesy: Popemobile, a custom-designed vehicle In The Streets Of Vatican.
The beloved pontiff, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, is now being transported to his final resting place at Basilica de Santa Maria Maggiore.
In attendance were numerous world leaders, members of royalty, and devoted Catholics from across the globe.
Since Wednesday, tens of thousands have visited St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their last respects, filing past the open coffin of the pope.
The procession, led by the iconic white Popemobile, made a journey past the historic Colosseum, symbolizing Pope Francis’s deep connection to the people and history of Rome.
The Popemobile itself holds a special story, one of the models was originally crafted for the pope’s 2015 visit to Philippines as part of a secret family project.
Deeply touched by the gift, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude, reportedly saying, “Beautiful Popemobile, thank you. Please pray for me.”The creators, including De Ocampo, were later honored with medals both in the Philippines and at the Vatican.
The Popemobile, a custom-designed vehicle often made by brands like Mercedes-Benz and Jeep, has long served to protect and elevate the visibility of the pontiff during public engagements.
As the solemn convoy moves toward Santa Maria Maggiore, Pope Francis will mark history as the first pope since Leo XIII in 1903 to be buried outside the Vatican walls.
The last pontiff laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore was Pope Clement IX in 1669, underscoring the rare significance of this moment in Catholic tradition.
By Nairobi