Outpouring of Sorrow as Pope Francis Laid to Rest

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Catholics across the UK gathered in solemn mourning as Westminster Cathedral became a focal point for tributes to Pope Francis, whose death on Easter Monday has left many feeling bereft of a spiritual father.

Multiple masses were held at England and Wales’ largest Catholic church, with mourners streaming in throughout the morning-some watching the funeral proceedings in Rome on their phones, others pausing to sign condolence books set up in the Holy Souls Chapel for the nine days of mourning.

“I just feel like I’m now an orphan because we don’t have a father, although there are still other Catholic priests, but I think he was the father figure to all of us because of the doctrine and also the teachings which he gave to us,” said Nesta Munyoro, a senior staff nurse and regular attendee at Westminster Cathedral.

She described Pope Francis as “one of the best popes I’ve ever seen. He was very kind and he was always looking for the poor, the marginalised. I think he felt he has to identify with them-just like Jesus Christ, he didn’t come for the good ones, he came for the ones who are lost, so I think he followed in his footsteps, so I wish I could also be like him.”

Shock and sadness were palpable among the faithful, many of whom expressed hopes that Francis’s legacy of compassion for the poor would endure. One attendee remarked on the Pope’s innovative use of technology, saying, “I would like the next pope to use technology effectively as Francis did.”

Professor Chris Imafidon, who travelled from Essex to pay his respects, recalled the powerful image of Francis kissing the feet of Sudanese fighters in 2019: “You are supposed to bow to the pope, the pope is not supposed to bow to you, so he just flipped it. Incredible. I don’t know of any current leader that is that convinced and passionate.”

He praised Francis for addressing climate change and fostering unity between faiths, adding, “Pope Francis was told he shouldn’t use the internet, guess what he did? He studied it very carefully, he not only used the internet, he used the AI tools to drive his social media message, and that was global, that was a global success. So I want someone that is persuaded that the next generation really needs technology to get the message out.”

A mother, who asked not to be identified, said the next pope must continue to champion the marginalised and the poor. “Every day, when I walk out, walk about, I see people, their dignity is being taken away… I am not in a position to help them. I have helped people in the past in my own way, but I cannot help, it hurts me.”

She echoed the words of Cardinal Vincent Nichols in her condolence book note: “A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent.”

With the world watching, Pope Francis’s funeral was held in Rome, while at Westminster Cathedral, the community came together in prayer and remembrance, united in grief and gratitude for a pontiff whose compassion and leadership touched millions