Cardinal Re Honors Pope Francis, Urges World Leaders to Embrace His Legacy

In a powerful sermon at Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re called on world leaders to honor Francis' legacy by caring for migrants, ending wars, and tackling climate change—central issues of the late pontiff’s 12-year reign. Addressing hundreds of dignitaries, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Re emphasized Francis’ enduring message to "build bridges, not walls," a pointed echo of Francis' 2016 criticism of Trump’s immigration stance.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, passed away Monday at age 88. His funeral in St. Peter’s Square, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and around 50 global leaders, featured ancient Catholic rites and drew millions of viewers worldwide. Re praised Francis as a leader deeply attuned to modern challenges, highlighting his compassion for the marginalized and his groundbreaking 2015 encyclical on climate change.

Re, aged 91 and ineligible to vote in the upcoming conclave, subtly guided the approximately 135 cardinals who will soon select the next pope, suggesting continuity with Francis’ progressive vision. He reminded them that there is “no going back,” underscoring Francis’ openness to the "signs of the times" and his direct connection with the anxieties and hopes of today’s world.

Recalling Francis’ visits to migrant camps in Lampedusa and Lesbos, and his advocacy at the Paris climate conference, Re reinforced the late pope’s enduring global impact. He noted the profound public affection shown by over 250,000 mourners who visited St. Peter’s Basilica, a testament to the powerful legacy Pope Francis leaves behind.

The funeral’s message may influence the selection of the next pontiff, just as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s sermon did before he became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.