I saw a brief video of CNN celebrity Anderson Cooper in Rome. He was completely thrilled as he watched the body of Pope Francis carried in procession through St. Peter’s Square. He said, and I loosely quote, that no Catholics had ever seen anything like this!
All he had to do was google papal funerals from the past to see that every pope, in recent history at least, had had their body processed through St. Peter’s Square and all of them, except for Pope Francis, were processed with the bodies fully exposed, not in a coffin. And all of them at the translation of their bodies had far more people in attendance. Pope Benedict was not afforded the dignity of the translation of his body through St. Peter’s Square. Pope Benedict XVI was scandalously placed in a van under the cover of dark and brought to the Basilica.
In addition, if Anderson Cooper had compared photos of the number of people in St. Peter’s Square for the translation of the pope’s body to the Basilica, he would have seen just how small the congregation was for Pope Francis compared to other popes. It was a scandalously small group of people.
Now, reporters are gushing that so many people are viewing the body of Pope Francis, with some taking “selfie” photos of the dead pope and mourners.
As I type this on Friday and the last day of viewing Pope Francis’ body, about 130,000 have passed through the Basilica to view Pope Francis.
How does that compare to the Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI and his abbreviated funeral rites and viewing? Keep in mind Pope Benedict had ceased to be the active pope for over 9 years at the time of his death:
His death ended a nine-year period during which an incumbent pope and a retired pope both lived within Vatican City. Benedict's body lay in state in St. Peter's Basilica from 2 to 4 January 2023, during which around 195,000 mourners paid their respects.
Here are photos of St. Pope John Paul’s and Pope Pius XII’s translations of their bodies, JPII’s in color:
16 comments:
Maybe because Cooper is a pervert and sees “truth” through the eyes of a pervert, or it is just a case of one leftie supports another leftie.
In my truck, I'll put a case of been, bags of stones for the yard etc. Benedict XVI deserved better.
The late pontiff de-emphasized his office in many ways excluding power. People have reacted.
Benedict retired from the office and all its ceremony, wishing to stay as hidden as possible, and was suprised his body was laid out in public at all, much less the translation whoopdedoo. It would be scandalous only were his own wishes abrogated same as his Latin mass instructions.
With Father McDonald's permission:
-- Close to home, so to speak.
That is, the following wonderful, upbeat statements in regard to Pope Francis were issued by the two bishops with whom Father McDonald is associated. Included are comments my bishop.
The following statements/tributes in question reflect certainly the attitudes of a great many folks who have filed past Pope Francis' body, as well as a massive amount of Catholics, as well as non-Catholics, worldwide.
Excerpts:
From: Bishop Stephen D. Parkes, the Diocese of Savannah, Georgia':
"The pontificate of Pope Francis was marked by his love for the poor and marginalized, and his encouragement to reach out to those on the periphery.
"Within the Church, he will be especially remembered for his call to missionary discipleship, which emphasizes evangelization and the spreading of the Good News, and for his desire for greater synodality, which embraces a commitment to communion, participation, and mission.
"The Holy Father was also deeply committed to caring for our world, calling on us to be good stewards of creation.
"His proclamation of the Year of Mercy in 2015 was a reminder of God’s incredible love for us, and for the need to foster a true compassion and forgiveness that is modeled on the person of Christ.
"During this Jubilee Year, he chose the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” to remind us that our Lord is with us through every challenge, and to encourage us to accompany one another with our eyes focused on Heaven, even as we work to build the Kingdom of God here on earth."
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From: Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, of the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina:
"It is with deep sorrow that I join the Universal Church in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to peace and justice have inspired millions worldwide, and in a special way the young."
"Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis called the world to recognize the dignity of our fellow brothers and sisters, especially those who are suffering, the impoverished, those struggling with addiction and illness."
"He constantly reminded us of the importance of mercy, forgiveness and love in our everyday lives as well as focusing on the role of grandparents in the transmission of the faith."
"Let us turn to prayer, asking for his intercession and entrusting his soul to God’s mercy as we carry his legacy of love, humility and service to others. May God receive him into the joy of heaven."
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From: Most Reverend Edward J. Burns, tbe Diocese of Dallas:
"It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis.
"The entire Diocese of Dallas joins the universal Church in mourning the loss of a shepherd who led us with humility, compassion, and unwavering faith.
After Holy Week and a joyful Easter Sunday, I found myself deeply moved to see our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for the last time in Saint Peter’s Square.
"It was striking — but not surprising — that even in his final days, he chose to be among God’s people. That was so much like him.
"Pope Francis served as a true shepherd, a universal shepherd. He lived his ministry with humility, compassion, and a boundless care for every soul.
"His love reached across borders, cultures, and differences, always pointing us toward mercy, hope, and the joy of the Gospel, especially for the poor, the members of the immigrant community, and the marginalized.
"The Church has lost a remarkable leader, and the world, a powerful witness to Christ’s love.
"May the soul of Pope Francis rest in the eternal peace of Christ, the Good Shepherd whom he served so faithfully."
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Pax.
Mark Thomas
The toady has returned - no one cares!
St. John Paul II had at least 2 million show up to honor him - maybe because he was genuine and not a nasty old man like this one
Mark Thomas,
In deference to your admiration, I extend to you my condolences.
That said, the above are the "things that people say" upon the passing of another - and that's fine except when taken to an extreme with anyone.
Be careful when considering the role of the Almighty relative to the upcoming conclave as well as any pontificate. While divine providence reigns over all, it does not override the free will of man. Just because one candidate is chosen over another, does not mean that God approves. Just because a pope chooses to act one way or another, does not mean that God always agrees or approves.
I respect the pope and his office, I know you feel similarly. However, its occupant, or a potential occupant, hasn't gone through life on God's marionette strings and this extends to their time on the throne. Jesus was like us in every way except sin. We are all mortal sinners, including popes. "Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!" is prayed unceasingly in the Byzantine Christian East.
Christ is Risen!
Father McDonald, here is a contrarians view of how Pope Francis shafted the poor. I think this author makes a lot of valid points.
https://www.manhattancontrarian.com/blog/2025-4-23-pope-francis-was-no-friend-of-the-poor
Addendum: Mother Mary was sinless. All else since the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden are sinners, and all are judged before the fearsome judgement seat of Christ, popes included.
With Father McDonald's permission:
Pope Francis, even to his final hours on earth, promoted the Culture of life ...had spoken in defense of unborn children.
From: Pope Francis' final Urbi et Orbi address:
"Easter is the celebration of life! God created us for life and wants the human family to rise again! In his eyes, every life is precious!
"The life of a child in the mother’s womb, as well as the lives of the elderly and the sick, who in more and more countries are looked upon as people to be discarded."
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Pope Francis had continued the tremendous pro-life witness that his immediate holy predecessors, Popes Benedict XVI, as well as Saint John Paul II, had established.
Such pro-abortion folks as President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, former President Joseph Biden, as well as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, will be present at Pope Francis' funeral.
May Pope Francis' unrelenting commitment to the Culture of Life inspire the above-mentioned pro-abortion folks to flee Satan's Culture of Death.
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Pope Francis had served God as a holy man of peace. He, a child of God, is beloved by the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as dear Saint Joseph.
May Pope Francis' desire to rid the world of wars, as well as the Satanic practice of abortion, take root within the hearts and minds of each person on earth.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
ByzRus, thank you for your comments in question. Thank you for the peaceful manner in which you have approached me. In turn, following your holy example, it is my desire to approach you in peaceful fashion.
I thank you also for the wealth of information in regard to Eastern Catholicism that, over the years, I have learned from you.
I wish you and your family peace, good health, as well as many happy and blessed years!
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Mark, Pope Francis is dead. We have no pope. We await the election of a new pope. That pope can, like Pope Francis did, cancel much of what Pope Francis did that has caused polarization in the Church. Pope Francis claimed, as you do, that much of St. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI initiative created division and needed to be cancel, primary would be SP. So, Mark, acknowledge Pope Francis is no longer the pope and pledge alliagance to the new pope, who is out there, but not yet elected.
MT Suit,
Quit your lying. President Trump put the justices in place who finally overturned Roe v Wade. Meanwhile fake Catholic Biden promised to make abortion on demand the law of the land. And what did Pope Francis do about Biden? Nothing. He will be judged for that. Words without action are meaningless.
Father McDonald said..."So, Mark, acknowledge Pope Francis is no longer the pope and pledge alliagance to the new pope, who is out there, but not yet elected."
Father McDonald, as always, I thank you for the privilege to post my comments/opinions to your important blog.
Father, a day or so ago, in line with Pope Benedict XVI, I had promised my "unconditional reverence and obedience" to our soon-to-be Pope.
I, in disgraceful fashion, via my countless sins, have fallen short of the Lord repeatedly throughout my life. Despite my weaknesses, I will never reject our soon-to-be-Pope's God-given authority to teach, govern, and sanctify me.
I will never reject, or even badmouth, any decision of our Pope to "cancel" this, or that, in regard to Pope Francis' Pontificate. I recognize that we have the right to, in charitable fashion, express our concerns to the Pope. But I do not have the slightest desire to ever, if you will, go toe-to-toe with the Vicar of Christ.
Thank you, Father McDonald.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Father McDonald said..."Pope Francis claimed, as you do, that much of St. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI initiative created division and needed to be cancel, primary would be SP. "
Father McDonald, Pope Francis said that? I recall that Pope Francis expressed repeatedly love and respect for the above-mentioned Popes.
Via interviews with journalist Peter Seewald, then-Emeritus Benedict XVI was adamant, for example, that opposition did not exist between his (Pope Benedict XVI's) former Pontificate, and Pope Francis' Pontificate.
Also, I have rejected the claims of Pope Benedict XVI's, as well as Saint John Paul II's critics, that said Popes created polarization within the Church. As I stated repeatedly in regard to Pope Francis, polarization within the Church has flowed from folks who had set themselves above Papal authority.
I plan always to maintain love and respect for Popes Benedict XVI, as well as Saint John Paul II. I view said men as holy, tremendous Popes.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Well for the reality based, here is an article of Judge Andrew Napolitano describing Pope Francis” pontificate. It is not filled with slobbering, holy, holies:
https://www.newsmax.com/judgeandrewpnapolitano/pope-francis-catholicism-free-will/2025/04/25/id/1208301/
The official estimates - 250,000 people viewed and honored Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica; more waited in line when they closed off the doors on Friday evening. 200,00+ attended the Requiem Mass this morning and 300,000 viewed the funeral procession along the path from Saint Peter’s to Saint Mary Major.
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