Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope and a figure of profound change within the Catholic Church, has been laid to rest in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. His final resting place, chosen in his own will, marks a departure from tradition—making him the first pope in over a century not to be buried within the Vatican. His simple grave bears only the name “Franciscus,” in keeping with his lifelong emphasis on humility and service.

More than 250,000 mourners gathered at St. Peter’s Square for the funeral, among them world leaders and dignitaries, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Before the service, Trump and Zelenskyy briefly met inside St. Peter’s Basilica—a symbolic moment as the two nations continue peace discussions regarding Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis—born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina—became known for his progressive values. He pushed for a more inclusive Church, supported marginalized communities, and openly criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality. He also championed immigrant rights and economic equality, setting himself apart from his predecessors.

However, Francis’s papacy was not without controversy. His handling of the Church’s sexual abuse crisis drew criticism, particularly his initial dismissal of victims’ testimonies in Chile. He later reversed his stance, calling it a grave mistake and taking disciplinary actions, including defrocking disgraced Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

On the global stage, one of Pope Francis’s most divisive positions came in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In a 2024 interview, he suggested that Ukraine should consider the “courage of the white flag” and engage in negotiations with Russia. “When you see that you are defeated, you have to have the courage to negotiate,” he said. The remarks were met with backlash from Ukrainian officials and citizens alike. Zelenskyy never named Francis directly in his response, but made clear that real support for Ukraine meant standing with those under fire—not offering neutrality from afar.

The Vatican later clarified that Francis had only echoed an interviewer’s metaphor, promoting dialogue over conflict and not calling for surrender. Still, many Ukrainians felt the pope failed to firmly condemn Russia’s aggression. A senior Ukrainian official later criticized Francis for showing “ignorance” of Eastern Europe’s reality and accused him of blurring the line between aggressor and victim.

Yet, Francis did take tangible steps to support Ukraine. He helped mediate prisoner exchanges and the return of children taken from occupied territories. Weeks before his passing, the Vatican sent four ambulances to war-affected regions of Ukraine, each bearing the Vatican City coat of arms. These acts of compassion did not go unnoticed.

Zelenskyy paid tribute to the pope after his death, thanking him for his prayers and consistent calls for peace. He emphasized the importance of “spiritual diplomacy” and credited religious communities for their advocacy and support throughout the war. Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelenska, were present at the funeral, seated in the front row—a rare honor.

Zelenskyy’s choice of attire at the funeral sparked attention. Though male attendees were advised to wear dark suits with black ties, the Ukrainian president continued to wear his military-style uniform, reflecting solidarity with his troops. His wartime wardrobe, unchanged since the 2022 invasion, has become a symbol of resistance and unity with the Ukrainian people. “I will wear a suit after the war is finished,” Zelenskyy has said.

Fashion experts say the military-style clothing conveys a clear message: Ukraine remains at war, and its leader stands in the trenches with his people. Olena Zelenska, by contrast, wore a modest all-black outfit in line with traditional mourning customs.

Though Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy filled with both admiration and debate, his influence on the Catholic Church and global humanitarian causes is undeniable. As Ukraine continues to fight for its sovereignty, his calls for peace, while sometimes controversial, will be remembered as part of a complex and compassionate papacy.