Vatican City, 26 April 2025 – President Dr. Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone joined world leaders and over 250,000 mourners at St. Peter’s Square today for the funeral of Pope Francis, the 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Requiem Mass drew high-level delegations from more than 130 countries, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Representing the British monarchy was Prince William. From Africa, President Bio stood alongside counterparts including Kenya’s President William Ruto, DR Congo’s Felix Tshisekedi, Angola’s João Lourenço, Central African Republic’s Faustin-Archange Touadéra, and Gabon’s Brice Nguema.
Cardinal Re’s homily praised Pope Francis’ 12-year pontificate as one defined by humility, inclusivity, and advocacy for the marginalized. “He was a shepherd of the people,” Cardinal Re said, highlighting the late Pope’s vision of a Church open to all.
President Bio, a practicing Catholic, described Pope Francis as “a beacon of hope and compassion,” adding that his legacy of peace, justice, and interfaith dialogue left a lasting impression across Sierra Leone and Africa.
The funeral concluded with the burial of Pope Francis at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in accordance with his wish for a simple resting place. His wooden casket, adorned with a crucifix and coat of arms, symbolized the humility that marked his papacy.
President Bio’s presence at the funeral underscored both his personal faith and Sierra Leone’s connection to the global Catholic community.
