In a significant departure from tradition, Pope Francis' funeral is scheduled for Saturday, aiming to spotlight the very values that marked his papacy: simplicity and pastoral care. His body will lie in state for mourners to pay their respects for three days at St. Peter's Basilica.
Pope Francis’ Funeral to Reflect His Humble Legacy

Pope Francis’ Funeral to Reflect His Humble Legacy
The Vatican announces a simplified funeral service for Pope Francis, set for Saturday, that embodies the late pope's commitment to humility and accessibility.
April 22, 2025
After the recent passing of Pope Francis, various memorials are being held globally, honoring a pontiff known for engaging with marginalized communities. The funeral service will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and will follow newly established, less formal rites that reflect Francis's approach as pope.
Flag protocols have been initiated worldwide, with many nations, including Brazil and Italy, declaring periods of mourning. The pontiff's body, currently resting at Casa Santa Marta, will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica, accessible for public viewings. Mourners have gathered everywhere from Buenos Aires to Manila, mourning the loss in heartfelt services.
Francis, who died following a stroke at age 88, made waves for his compassionate outreach, notably his strong stance on topics like migration and climate change, which garnered both admiration and criticism. The Vatican has also revealed that cardinals have begun to assemble to deliberate on his successor, underscoring the urgency as the Catholic Church navigates its future.
Political figures, including world leaders, plan to attend the upcoming funeral, adding a layer of complexity considering past tensions with certain governments. With a future pope yet to be determined, many await how Francis’s successor will evolve his vision for the church and society at large.
Amid these significant events, reflections on Francis’s life reveal a man committed to justice and understanding, reminding many of the importance of unity within the church. His legacy, particularly concerning the treatment of vulnerable groups, leaves a lasting impact that will influence the church in years to come.
After the recent passing of Pope Francis, various memorials are being held globally, honoring a pontiff known for engaging with marginalized communities. The funeral service will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and will follow newly established, less formal rites that reflect Francis's approach as pope.
Flag protocols have been initiated worldwide, with many nations, including Brazil and Italy, declaring periods of mourning. The pontiff's body, currently resting at Casa Santa Marta, will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica, accessible for public viewings. Mourners have gathered everywhere from Buenos Aires to Manila, mourning the loss in heartfelt services.
Francis, who died following a stroke at age 88, made waves for his compassionate outreach, notably his strong stance on topics like migration and climate change, which garnered both admiration and criticism. The Vatican has also revealed that cardinals have begun to assemble to deliberate on his successor, underscoring the urgency as the Catholic Church navigates its future.
Political figures, including world leaders, plan to attend the upcoming funeral, adding a layer of complexity considering past tensions with certain governments. With a future pope yet to be determined, many await how Francis’s successor will evolve his vision for the church and society at large.
Amid these significant events, reflections on Francis’s life reveal a man committed to justice and understanding, reminding many of the importance of unity within the church. His legacy, particularly concerning the treatment of vulnerable groups, leaves a lasting impact that will influence the church in years to come.