Pope Francis will be honored with a straightforward funeral service this Saturday at St. Peter's Basilica. Memorials and tributes are taking place worldwide, as officials prepare for the complex task of selecting a new pope.
Pope Francis’ Simplified Funeral to Take Place This Saturday
Pope Francis’ Simplified Funeral to Take Place This Saturday
Following his passing, Pope Francis’ funeral will embrace a modest ceremonial style reflective of his papacy. The event is anticipated to attract global leaders as nations observe mourning.
April 22, 2025, 9:47 a.m. ET – In a departure from traditional grandeur, the Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’ funeral will take place this Saturday, featuring simpler rituals consistent with the modest essence of his papacy. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the head of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the ceremony.
As of Tuesday, the pope's body has been resting in his private chapel at Casa Santa Marta, where images released by the Vatican show the late pontiff in an open casket, dressed in red and white vestments while holding a rosary. On Wednesday, his coffin will lead a procession to St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing mourners the chance to pay their respects over three days.
Globally, memorial masses for Pope Francis are being held from Sydney’s Saint Mary’s Cathedral to Manila Cathedral in the Philippines. Flags at government buildings across various nations are being flown at half-mast, and several countries including Brazil, Lebanon, and Argentina have begun periods of official mourning in tribute to the pontiff.
Leaders from differing political and religious backgrounds are expected to attend the funeral service, including President Trump, marking a notable international turnout amid discussions about the pope’s impact on social issues like migration and justice.
Following the funeral, the process to elect a new pope will commence behind closed doors. Cardinals under 80 will participate in the conclave, tasked with appointing a successor who will shape the future of the Roman Catholic Church, with 1.3 billion adherents worldwide.
Pope Francis died on Monday at 88 years old due to a stroke that led to a coma and cardiac failure. His last wishes outlined a simple burial at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
His demise has triggered global responses, reflecting both the admiration and criticism he garnered through his papacy. Known for advocating social justice, championing climate awareness, and engaging with marginalized communities, Francis left a profound legacy that resonated beyond the realm of Catholicism.
As of Tuesday, the pope's body has been resting in his private chapel at Casa Santa Marta, where images released by the Vatican show the late pontiff in an open casket, dressed in red and white vestments while holding a rosary. On Wednesday, his coffin will lead a procession to St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing mourners the chance to pay their respects over three days.
Globally, memorial masses for Pope Francis are being held from Sydney’s Saint Mary’s Cathedral to Manila Cathedral in the Philippines. Flags at government buildings across various nations are being flown at half-mast, and several countries including Brazil, Lebanon, and Argentina have begun periods of official mourning in tribute to the pontiff.
Leaders from differing political and religious backgrounds are expected to attend the funeral service, including President Trump, marking a notable international turnout amid discussions about the pope’s impact on social issues like migration and justice.
Following the funeral, the process to elect a new pope will commence behind closed doors. Cardinals under 80 will participate in the conclave, tasked with appointing a successor who will shape the future of the Roman Catholic Church, with 1.3 billion adherents worldwide.
Pope Francis died on Monday at 88 years old due to a stroke that led to a coma and cardiac failure. His last wishes outlined a simple burial at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
His demise has triggered global responses, reflecting both the admiration and criticism he garnered through his papacy. Known for advocating social justice, championing climate awareness, and engaging with marginalized communities, Francis left a profound legacy that resonated beyond the realm of Catholicism.
