Left to Right: Parabhakti Das and Mons. Michael Santiago; faith leaders in attendance at the funeral; Italian and other European leaders arriving; Sikhs allowed to carry their traditional swords.

In a solemn atmosphere of remembrance and deep interreligious respect, the funeral of Pope Francis gathered representatives from various world religions. More than 400,000 people attended the ceremony, filling St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding streets in an extraordinary tribute of love and reverence.

All religious delegations were respectfully seated in the front rows, a strong testament to Pope Francis’ unwavering commitment to interfaith dialogue and universal brotherhood.

Among those present was a delegation from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON Italy), represented by Parabhakti Dasa, Communications Director for ISKCON Italy, and Harikirtan Dasa, President of the ISKCON Temple in Rome. Their attendance underlines the strong bonds of mutual respect that have developed over the years between the Vatican and the movement founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Special mention goes to Monsignor Michael Santiago, the Vatican official in charge of its interfaith dialogue with Hinduism, who is also a long-time friend of the devotees. His presence and support further strengthened the spirit of fraternity and collaboration during this historic occasion.

Message of Condolence from the Italian Congregation for Krishna Consciousness – ISKCON Italy:

“With deep emotion, the Italian Congregation for Krishna Consciousness – ISKCON Italy – joins in mourning with the entire Catholic community for the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a luminous example of spiritual dedication, compassion, and dialogue among peoples.

Pope Francis was a sincere devotee of God, a man of faith with an open heart, who dedicated his life to dialogue, inclusion, and unity among theistic religions, recognizing in every living being the spark of the Divine.

His voice, gentle yet firm, spoke to the hearts of many even amid a lost society often overwhelmed by trends that exclude the spiritual path in favor of a materialistic and opportunistic view of life. Yet, such a vision, devoid of spiritual roots, cannot offer the deep and eternal joy that every soul sincerely seeks.

His tireless service, compassionate gaze, and radiant smile will forever remain etched in the hearts of all who seek truth and divine love.

Now that the physical body has ceased, his shining and immortal soul continues its journey, returning to the eternal connection with the Lord, the supreme source of love, from whom every soul originates and toward whom every soul naturally tends.

With deep affection and respect, the spiritual embrace of the Italian Congregation for Krishna Consciousness, and the international ISKCON community, join in prayer for him and for all Catholic brothers and sisters who today lift their gaze to the heavens, certain that the Lord always lovingly welcomes His sincere devotees.”

The participation of ISKCON and other religious communities at the funeral was a living testimony to the spiritual legacy of Pope Francis: a vision of a world united in its diversity, built on respect, dialogue, and mutual love.