Funeral of Pope Francis held today
"Build bridges not walls was an exhortation he repeated many times," Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re recalled.
Pope Francis was described as "a pope among the people with a heart open to everyone" at his funeral today, which saw 400,000 mourners gather in Rome.
The late pontiff was eulogised by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who shared with those gathered some of Pope Francis' teachings.
"He always sought to shed light on the problem of our time with the wisdom of the gospel," he stated, adding that "he did so by offering a response guided by the light of faith and encouraging us to live as Christians amid the challenges and contradictions of recent years."
The funeral heard that he was "rich in human warmth" and "profoundly sensitive to todays challenges."
"Pope Francis truly shared the anxieties, sufferings and hopes of this time of globalisation."
"His gestures and exhortations in favour of refugees and displaced persons are countless," Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re shared, describing how he "often forcefully reminded us that we all belong to the same human family."
He reflected upon his 2019 trip to the United Arab Emirates, when the late Pope Franics signed a document on "human fraternity for world peace" and "living together recalling the common fatherhood of God."
"He drew attention to our duties and shared responsibility for our common home."
The late pontiff believed that war "results in the death of people and the destruction of homes, the destruction of hospitals, and the destruction of schools.
"War always leaves the world worse than it was before. It is always a painful and tragic defeat for everyone.
"Build bridges not walls was an exhortation he repeated many times," Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re recalled.
"We are here in huge numbers to pray for Pope Franics, that God may welcome him into the immensity of his love. Pope Francis used to conclude his speeches in meetings by saying 'don't forget to pray for me.'
"Dear Pope Francis, we now ask you to pray for us. May you bless the church, bless Rome and bless the whole world from heaven as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this Basilica."