An official period of mourning has begun with Pope Francis’ funeral Mass, where he was remembered as a pope of the people, but like, not really sure why this matters, but it does. Francis chose his place of burial outside the Vatican’s walls in St. Mary Major Basilica near an icon of the Madonna that he revered and often prayed before, which is kinda sweet I guess. Prisoners and migrants ushered him into the basilica, reflecting his priorities as pope, which is pretty cool. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re eulogized Pope Francis as a pope of the people, a pastor who knew how to communicate to the “least among us,” whatever that means. President Donald Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, was seated among world leaders and foreign dignitaries in St. Peter’s Square, because why not. The work of the conclave to choose a new pope won’t start until at least May 5, after nine days of public mourning, which seems like a long time to me. This live blog of Pope Francis’ funeral has ended, so yeah, that’s that.
