Pope Francis's funeral will be a testament to his dedication to the poor and marginalized, with the presence of the poor, homeless, migrants, and refugees. These groups will not only attend the funeral Mass but will also be present at his final burial place at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. This reflects Pope Francis's commitment to the poor, a value he embraced throughout his papacy, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. His final journey will be marked by the inclusion of those often overlooked, emphasizing his teachings on living Gospel values with love, especially for the poor.
13 days ago
Pope Francis, throughout his pontificate, demonstrated a profound commitment to the poor and marginalized, making them a central focus of his ministry 1. He chose the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, known for his embrace of poverty 1. His actions included visiting refugees, hosting lunches with the homeless, and sending aid to Ukraine 1. He consistently advocated for the safe passage and integration of refugees 1.
In a significant departure from tradition, Pope Francis's funeral will prominently feature the presence of the poor, homeless, migrants, refugees, prisoners, and transgender individuals 1 3. A group of these individuals will be present on the steps of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major to give a final farewell 1. This inclusion is meant to honor Pope Francis's dedication to those on the margins of society 1 3. Many of these attendees had personal encounters with Pope Francis during his pontificate 3.
Pope Francis will be entombed in the Pauline Chapel of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a place of great personal significance to him 1 5. He frequently visited the basilica to pray before the Marian icon Maria Salus Populi Romani 1. In his final testament, he expressed his wish to be buried there, entrusting his life and ministry to Mary 5. His tomb is simple, made of Ligurian marble with the inscription "Franciscus" 5.
The decision to have the poor welcome Pope Francis's body to St. Mary Major is deeply symbolic 4. It reflects his belief that the "least" in society hold a privileged place in God's heart 1 3. This gesture underscores the Gospel values of love, compassion, and solidarity with the marginalized, which were central to Pope Francis's teachings 4. It serves as a final reminder of his call to overcome indifference and to prioritize the needs of the poor 4.
The Church's preferential option for the poor is indeed an essential aspect of Catholic Social Teaching, rooted in the Gospel and the example of Jesus Christ . This option is not optional but is implied by faith in Jesus Christ . It is a special form of primacy in the exercise of Christian charity, to which the whole tradition of the Church bears witness .
Here's a breakdown of why it is so important:
In summary, the Church's preferential option for the poor is a theological and moral imperative rooted in the Gospel. It calls all Christians to prioritize the needs of the poor and vulnerable, work for justice, and promote their integral development . This option reflects God's own preferential love for the poor and is essential to the Church's mission .