His death marked the return of deeply symbolic rituals, some dating back more than a thousand years. From the red vestments to the broken ring, every step of his farewell followed a script shaped by history, devotion, and the enduring customs of the papacy.

Simplicity and Splendor: Inside the Pope’s Funeral

Pope Francis’ funeral was a moment of deep emotion and global reflection. As the first Latin American pontiff and a champion of the poor, his death drew mourners from around the world to Vatican City