Pope Francis' funeral will take place on Saturday, showcasing simpler rituals fitting with his humble approach during his papacy. As the world mourns his death, political and religious leaders prepare to pay their respects while the process to elect his successor begins.
Farewell to a Humble Leader: Pope Francis' Funeral to Reflect Simplicity of His Papacy
Farewell to a Humble Leader: Pope Francis' Funeral to Reflect Simplicity of His Papacy
The Vatican prepares for a simplified funeral for Pope Francis, with global leaders, mourners, and tributes honoring his compassionate legacy.
April 22, 2025, 1:29 p.m. ET
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis' funeral will be held on Saturday in front of St. Peter's Basilica, adhering to the simpler rituals that characterized his papacy. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will oversee the ceremony, in accordance with guidelines established by Francis himself last year. On Tuesday, the pontiff’s body was displayed in his private chapel, dressed in his red and white vestments and clutching a rosary.
Memorial Masses were held globally in honor of Francis on Tuesday, including services at prominent locations like St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney and Manila Cathedral in the Philippines. Flags flew at half-mast in many countries, signaling days of official mourning in Italy, Brazil, Lebanon, India, and Argentina, the pope's homeland. Dignitaries, including political and religious leaders from around the world, are expected to attend the funeral service, which has garnered attention due to the attendance of former President Trump, among others.
The process for selecting Francis' successor has commenced, as cardinals from around the world arrived in Rome following his passing. The conclave, which determines the new pope, will happen after the funeral rites, occurring behind closed doors. The election will be significant for the 1.3 billion followers of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis passed away from a cerebral stroke that caused a coma and subsequent collapse of his cardiovascular system, as confirmed by the Vatican. In his will, he expressed a desire for a modest burial at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, specifically requesting an unadorned tomb with the simple inscription “Franciscus.”
His admirers remember Francis for his progressive stance, notably on issues such as LGBTQ inclusion and empathy toward migrants. The pope's history as the first South American pontiff resonated with many, particularly his outspoken advocacy for marginalized groups.
As nations reflect on his impacts, their tributes signify a shared grief for a leader who approached humanity with humility and a profound sense of justice. In an era marked by turmoil, Francis' funeral serves as a moment of unity, drawing attention to a pivotal moment in history as the Catholic Church prepares to navigate a new path forward.
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis' funeral will be held on Saturday in front of St. Peter's Basilica, adhering to the simpler rituals that characterized his papacy. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will oversee the ceremony, in accordance with guidelines established by Francis himself last year. On Tuesday, the pontiff’s body was displayed in his private chapel, dressed in his red and white vestments and clutching a rosary.
Memorial Masses were held globally in honor of Francis on Tuesday, including services at prominent locations like St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney and Manila Cathedral in the Philippines. Flags flew at half-mast in many countries, signaling days of official mourning in Italy, Brazil, Lebanon, India, and Argentina, the pope's homeland. Dignitaries, including political and religious leaders from around the world, are expected to attend the funeral service, which has garnered attention due to the attendance of former President Trump, among others.
The process for selecting Francis' successor has commenced, as cardinals from around the world arrived in Rome following his passing. The conclave, which determines the new pope, will happen after the funeral rites, occurring behind closed doors. The election will be significant for the 1.3 billion followers of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis passed away from a cerebral stroke that caused a coma and subsequent collapse of his cardiovascular system, as confirmed by the Vatican. In his will, he expressed a desire for a modest burial at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, specifically requesting an unadorned tomb with the simple inscription “Franciscus.”
His admirers remember Francis for his progressive stance, notably on issues such as LGBTQ inclusion and empathy toward migrants. The pope's history as the first South American pontiff resonated with many, particularly his outspoken advocacy for marginalized groups.
As nations reflect on his impacts, their tributes signify a shared grief for a leader who approached humanity with humility and a profound sense of justice. In an era marked by turmoil, Francis' funeral serves as a moment of unity, drawing attention to a pivotal moment in history as the Catholic Church prepares to navigate a new path forward.
