The former pope’s supporters, who include conservatives, said Francis’ approach seemed paltry in comparison to Benedict’s homily at the funeral of Pope John Paul II.
An extraordinary period for the modern church ended with Francis presiding over the funeral of his retired predecessor. Some conservatives found the ceremony too modest for their standard-bearer.
Benedict XVI was laid to rest in a ceremony that marked the end of an unusual arrangement during which he lived on the Vatican grounds after having resigned in 2013.