Up early to watch the funeral for Pope Francis

@NJChicaa (122551)
United States
April 26, 2025 3:44am CST
I had the alarm set for 3:30am but I was awake even before that. I make sure I'm up early to watch big world events like the funeral of Queen Elizabeth, Prince William's wedding, and well today the funeral of Pope Francis. It started at 10am local time in Vatican City which means 4am here in Eastern Standard Time. I was nominally raised as a Catholic and went to Catholic school for elementary school. I wound up attending a Catholic university but gave up on religion soon after that. I just can't mesh biology and religious teachings. Some people can but I cannot. I'm fine with that. That being said I have great respect for Pope Francis and his humility, love for the less fortunate and immigrants, etc. I was so happy to see him make an appearance in St. Peter's Square on Easter. My family visited Rome and the Vatican back in 2001. It was amazing. There are many world leaders and dignitaries at the funeral. There are jumbotrons (huge TV screens) showing the doorway and altar for the tens of thousands who cannot easily see it. We saw the Trumps and Emmanuel Macron enter the square. Okay. When Volodymyr Zelenskyy was shown on the screens the square spontaneously erupted in applause. It was incredible to see and gave me goosebumps. I think Pope Francis would have loved to see that. I'm glad to have the opportunity to watch this service.
7 people like this
1 response
@arunima25 (90039)
• Bangalore, India
26 Apr
Millions and millions across the globe would have been glued to the TV to watch it irrespective of their time zone. He was revered across the globe and across all faith for his progressive and inclusive thoughts and messages. I watched few glimpse being played on the various news channels here and that was enough to give all the goosebumps.
3 people like this