With a popemobile donated by Mexico, Mexican diplomats bid farewell to Francis at the Vatican.

On April 26, Secretary of the Interior Rosa Icela Rodríguez led the Mexican delegation to the funeral ceremony for His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican. Representing President Claudia Sheinbaum and the people of Mexico, she expressed the nation's profound sorrow at the tragic loss.

During the solemn ceremony, Rodríguez highlighted the pontiff's humanist vision, his commitment to the poor, migrants, and the environment, and his reformist and progressive legacy.

The Mexican delegation, which also included the ambassador to the Vatican, Alberto Barranco Chavarría, and the head of the Unit for Religious Affairs, Clara Luz Flores, experienced a moment of reverence and gratitude in front of the Pope's coffin.

For them, his presence not only symbolized institutional respect, but also a testament to the Mexican people's affection for a pontiff who left an indelible mark on issues of social justice, human dignity, and caring for the most vulnerable.

"In the hearts of our people, who are predominantly Catholic, Pope Francis will always be remembered as a brother," the diplomats acknowledged.

The death of Pope Francis this Monday at the age of 88 has mobilized Vatican and Italian authorities to organize an unprecedented operation. It is estimated that "several hundred thousand" people will arrive in Rome over the weekend.

The funeral, scheduled for St. Peter's Square , will be attended by at least 50 heads of state, 10 monarchs, and more than 130 official delegations.

As a special gesture, the popemobile used in Pope Francis's last trip was the same one he used on his visit to Mexico , donated to the Vatican to commemorate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.