The world said goodbye to Pope Francis during a somber funeral at St. Peter’s Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presided over the funeral Mass in front of more than 200,000 attendees, including world leaders such as Indian President Droupadi Murmu, US President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
As dean of the College of Cardinals, Re mourned the Pope and emphasized his servant leadership and profound empathy. His words brought everyone back to Pope Francis’ tremendous influence on the Church and the world.
What is Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re?
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, is one of the most senior in the Catholic Church. Born in Brescia, Italy, he has served the Church for more than six decades. Ordained in 1957, he entered the Vatican Curia in 1963. He subsequently served in diplomatic posts in Panama and Iran. In 2000, Pope John Paul II appointed him Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, a position where he had a significant role in choosing bishops around the world.
Re is also known for his composed and effective way of dealing with problems. He took part in the 2005 conclave that brought Pope Benedict XVI to power and the 2013 conclave that saw Pope Francis being elected. As the dean of the College of Cardinals since 2020, Re still counsels the Pope, though he cannot vote in the upcoming papal elections due to his age.
Cardinal Re’s Eulogy for Pope Francis
At Pope Francis’ funeral, Cardinal Re commended the Pope’s commitment, which did not waver until his dying days. He described Francis’ last public outing on Easter Sunday, in spite of severe health problems. During that day, the Pope welcomed the crowd from the popemobile. Re pointed out how that picture of Francis, abounding in humility and love, will remain in the hearts of the faithful for eternity.
“Pope Francis was a pastor who was able to connect with the least among us,” Re said. He characterized Francis as a person with an open heart, truly connected to people. Re also pointed out Francis’ casual attitude, which led him to become more accessible and closer to people.
Pope Among the People
Pope Francis possessed a special gift for relating to people from all walks of life. His casual demeanor and profound empathy endeared him to millions. By his outreach to the people below poverty line and his advocacy for social justice, Francis demonstrated that being Pope was not merely a ceremonial position. It was about service.
Cardinal Re’s words reflected this, emphasizing that Pope Francis prioritized the people under poverty line, the sick, and the outcast. He was a man of deep faith, living according to the Gospel’s call to serve others.
Pope Who Inspired Change
Cardinal Re’s obituary honored Pope Francis’ life-long dedication to the people. His last blessing, and waving from the popemobile, will be an enduring memory. Re’s eulogy portrayed a Pope who lived humility and compassion.
Beyond being the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis was a servant of the people. His impact extended across borders and denominations.
