Whenever a universally known and loved leader dies, whether Nelson Mandela or Queen Elizabth or Jimmy Carter, it is often said that a light has gone off and the world is in darkness. Not so with the passing of Pope Francis. For Pope Francis was someone who touched the lives of believers and non believers around the world. Not only have world leaders sent their message of condolences, as have CAtholics around the world, but it is striking to see so many people of different faiths ranging from Islam, through to HInduism and Buddhism and beyond, filling the social media platforms with how much they respected and loved what Pope Francis did and what he stood for.

The Vatican has declared nine days of mourning for Pope Francis and Italy has declared five days. Many other countries including Argentina and other Latin American countries – Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Venezuela, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama. Spain, Hungary, India and East Timor also declared days of mourning over the pontiff’s death. 

The past few days  the weather has ranged from extreme heat to rain that fell gently over St. Peter’s Square, like tears from the sky itself. Yet the crowds did not stop. More than a hundred thousand people, over the course of these hours, came to pay tribute to Pope Francis: the man who knew how to speak to the heart.

Umbrellas opened, hoods pulled tight, and the faithful waited patiently, carrying not only devotion but stories of life, hope, and faith. One detail stays with me: forty individuals, including the poor, migrants, prisoners, women who survived trafficking, and trans persons, will stand by Francis’ casket, each holding a white rose. They are the most vulnerable among us, those he welcomed, embraced, listened to. 

This is the Gospel lived, not written only in scripture but embodied in acts of love, in outstretched hands, in eyes that see beyond appearances. His coffin will be laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, next to the image of the Salus Populi Romani, with only one word inscribed: “Franciscus.” A simple grave, as simple as he was. 

But the true monument to this Pope is found in the love of those who waited, through hardship, in the rain, some traveling far, to say goodbye. On Saturday, the funeral procession will move slowly, “at a walking pace,” so that anyone who wishes can offer a final farewell. 

This will not be just a goodbye. It will be a promise. A promise to continue walking together as God’s people, welcoming others, seeking justice, building bridges where there are walls. A reminder that his voice echoed far beyond the Vatican, breaking down barriers, touching souls. We at Global Network of Rainbow Catholics know this deeply. Pope Francis is responsible for the existence of GNRC and inspired our path toward inclusion, dignity, and faith. He reminded the world that every person, no matter their journey, has a place in God’s heart. And as the cardinals begin their conversations on the future of the Church, we are called to protect the seed he planted: a Church more human, a Church for the poor, that field hospital where all are welcome. A Church that is more open and more Gospel-centered. In this silent vigil, made of steps and prayers, where the power and light of Pope Francis burns brightly in our hearts, the people say thank you. And perhaps, farewell. But above all, we say “we will go on.” Because true love, the kind he lived, never ends.

Alessandro Previti & Ruby Almeida