Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death marks the end of a papacy that reshaped Catholicism with simplicity, compassion, and reform. True to his character, the funeral of Pope Francis is not just a liturgical ritual but a profound statement of humility and devotion. Departing from tradition, he has requested a simpler burial that reflects the themes of his life and teachings.
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The Lying in State
After his passing, the funeral of Pope Francis began with three days of lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. His body, displayed in a simple wooden casket, was visited by more than 90,000 mourners. There were no opulent garments, no extravagant papal insignias—just a man who led with mercy and walked closely with the poor. Pilgrims, heads of state, and faithful Catholics from all corners of the world came to pay tribute, embodying the global impact of his leadership.
The Funeral of Pope Francis: A Global Event
The funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. Presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the service will bring together dignitaries from over 170 countries. U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and many other leaders will attend.
This momentous event is one of the most highly anticipated in Vatican history. Yet despite the high profile, the funeral of Pope Francis remains grounded in humility. Instead of elaborate ceremonial displays, it focuses on prayer, community, and gratitude for a life lived in service.
A Break with Papal Tradition
What distinguishes the funeral of Pope Francis is his decision to be buried not beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, like most of his predecessors, but at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. This church held deep spiritual significance for him; he often prayed there before and after his international missions.
By choosing this location, the funeral of Pope Francis echoes his lifelong message: that faith should be personal, accessible, and centered on compassion, not power. His burial place, already prepared and marked simply with “Franciscus,” tells the world that the office of the pope is one of service, not supremacy.
A Simple Coffin, a Powerful Message
The funeral of Pope Francis also breaks tradition in terms of the physical burial. Historically, popes are buried in three nested coffins—wood, zinc, and wood again. Pope Francis chose to be laid to rest in a single, unadorned wooden coffin lined with zinc. It’s modest, dignified, and devoid of excess.
This coffin will be greeted first by the poor and marginalized at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in a moving act of solidarity. This extraordinary feature of the funeral of Pope Francis reminds the world that the Church’s mission begins at the margins.
Security and Preparation
Rome is bracing for one of the largest religious gatherings in decades. In anticipation of the funeral of Pope Francis, Italian authorities have deployed over 2,000 police officers and installed advanced anti-drone systems to secure Vatican City and its surroundings. Public squares, transit stations, and nearby neighborhoods are under tight security as crowds continue to swell. Rome fully prepared for world leaders in a clean environment believed to be handled by professional cleaners.
Despite the scale of logistics, the Vatican insists that the funeral of Pope Francis will retain an atmosphere of prayer and reflection rather than spectacle.
Novemdiales and Transition
After the funeral of Pope Francis, the Church enters a nine-day period of mourning known as the Novemdiales. Each day includes special Masses dedicated to the late pope, reflecting on his values and his contributions to Catholic doctrine.
Once this mourning period concludes, the College of Cardinals will convene in a secret conclave to elect a new pope. Still, during this interregnum, the funeral of Pope Francis will continue to resonate—setting a spiritual tone for the decision that follows.
Reflections on His Legacy
The funeral of Pope Francis is not only a religious milestone but also a cultural one. He leaves behind a Church more focused on inclusion, mercy, and ecological stewardship. His encyclicals, particularly Laudato Si’, and his push for economic justice will shape theological thought for generations.
Yet perhaps what will stand out most is how the funeral of Pope Francis reflects who he truly was: a man of the people. His burial doesn’t promote the grandeur of the papacy but celebrates its pastoral heart. In this, his final act, he calls the Church to return to its roots—to be a home for the broken, a voice for the voiceless, and a sanctuary for the poor.
The People’s Pope, Now at Rest
The funeral of Pope Francis has become a deeply emotional event for the millions who admired him. His decision to be laid to rest near an icon of the Virgin Mary, rather than among marble tombs of his predecessors, underscores his desire to be remembered not as a monarch, but as a servant.
Pope Francis once said, “To live with the poor is not a strategy, it is a path.” That path continues even in death. Through every element of the funeral of Pope Francis—from the venue to the guests of honor—his message lives on.
Closing Thoughts
As the bells of St. Peter’s ring and the world pauses to say goodbye, the funeral of Pope Francis will be remembered as a spiritual milestone, not a ceremonial one. It’s a final chapter that reaffirms his greatest teachings: simplicity is powerful, service is sacred, and love—above all—should guide every act.
Fifteen times over, let it be said with reverence: The funeral of Pope Francis is not just the end of a life—it is the continuation of a legacy.
