VATICAN CITY — This weekend, thousands of young individuals from across the globe flocked to Rome, expecting to celebrate a momentous occasion: the canonization of the first saint from the millennial generation during the Vatican’s Holy Year. However, instead of participating in the joyous event, they found themselves saying goodbye to Pope Francis. Despite the somber occasion of a funeral held on Saturday, the young attendees’ vibrant spirit added a note of optimism.
Marco Falchi, who traveled with his family from near Perugia to Rome, spoke about the transformative influence of Pope Francis on their spiritual lives. They named their 11-year-old son, Francesco, after the pope, who had always espoused living life with joy. Their visit was also significant due to their devotion to Carlo Acutis, a young Italian who passed away from leukemia in 2006 and has inspired countless Catholic youths. Originally planned as part of the Jubilee of Adolescents for teens, Acutis’ canonization was postponed due to the pope’s passing on Monday.
Falchi noticed the funeral lacked deep mourning, a fact he believes would have pleased Pope Francis, particularly during an event centered around adolescents, where joy, rather than sorrow, is emphasized.
Under the bright blue skies of St. Peter’s Square, attendees stood with reverence, some having camped out throughout the previous night to secure their spot. Mass was broadcast on large screens in multiple languages, contributing to the diverse gathering. The simple wooden coffin of Pope Francis was met with applause when brought outside, a testament to the affection in which he was held.
Travel arrangements made before the pontiff’s death brought many to Rome for reasons tied closely to Carlo Acutis. For some like Reyes Arribas, a 23-year-old from Valencia, Spain, her trip took an unexpected turn as she attended the pope’s funeral, despite her initial plans. While she held admiration for Pope Francis, her affinity for his predecessors, St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, was greater. However, for Acutis, she has profound admiration, viewing him as a saint for today’s technologically connected youth.
Despite some disappointment over the suspended canonization, those present took solace in commemorating Pope Francis, a figure beloved for his humility and dedication to the underprivileged. Jessica Naranjo from Austin, Texas, felt a deep connection with Pope Francis due to his promotion of social justice and environmental issues. His passing was a significant loss for her, but she acknowledged the celebration of his life, albeit without him present.
Ana Kalen, alongside a group from Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, had anticipated attending the Acutis canonization. Although plans altered, Kalen expressed gratitude for participating in such a historic moment in Rome, wrapping a Bosnian flag around her shoulders. While mourning the pope’s death, she believed Francis was in a better place.
The legacy of Pope Francis resonates particularly with young Catholics. Following the death of St. John Paul II in 2005, mourners traveled from his Polish homeland with profound grief for a major 20th-century figure. By contrast, Pope Francis, through his 12-year papacy, encouraged joy and a sense of humor, which seemed reflected during Saturday’s gathering.
The event saw groups of young Catholics fill St. Peter’s Square, engaging in worship through singing and dancing from regions such as Cassano Magnago in northern Italy. Reflecting on the timing of Pope Francis’ death during the Easter season, young Matteo Cozzi, aged 16, saw it as symbolic—a sign of hope.