‘Build bridges’; Read the full homily of the Pope’s funeral

The popular manifestation of affection and adhesion, to which we all assist, after its passage from this earth to eternity, show us how much the intense pontificate of Pope Francis touched minds and hearts.

His last image, which will remain in our eyes and in our hearts, is that of last Sunday, Easter solemnity, when Pope Francis, despite his serious health problems, wanted to grant the blessing of the Basilica of St. Peter and then wanted to get down in this square, the open papate, the whole great crowd gathered here for Easter Mass.

With our prayer, we now want to give the soul of our beloved Pontiff to God, that He may grant it eternal happiness on the luminous and glorious horizon of His immense love.

We are illuminated and guided by the Gospel page, in which the voice of Christ Himself resonated when the first of the apostles, Peter, resolved: “Peter, do you love me more than these?” (cf. Jn 21, 15). And Peter’s answer was ready and sincere: “Lord, you know everything, you know that I love you!” And Jesus entrusted him with the great mission: “Feed my sheep” (cf. 17). This will constantly be the task of Peter and his successors, a service of love in the path of the master and Lord our Jesus Christ.

Despite his fragility in this final straight and his suffering, Pope Francis chose to go through this way of delivery until the last day of his earthly life. He followed the footsteps of his Lord, the good shepherd, who loved his sheep until he gave his own life for them. And did so with strength and serenity, along with his flock, the church of God.

When, on March 13, 2013, Cardinal Bergoglio was elected by the Conclave to succeed Pope Benedict 16, he brought with him the religious life in the company of Jesus and, above all, was enriched by the 21 -year pastoral ministry experience in the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, first as an auxiliary bishop, then as a coadjutor and then as archbishop.