In brief
As the world unites to honor Pope Francis, his funeral reflects his legacy of compassion and inclusivity within the Catholic Church.
April 26, 2025, 1:42 a.m. ET - Emma Bubola reporting from Vatican CityThis Saturday, St. Peter's Square in Vatican City is set to overflow with mourners as they gather to pay their last respects to Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this week at 88. Expected to be attended by tens of thousands, the ceremony will draw dignitaries from across the globe, including President Trump and former President Biden, alongside ordinary citizens who resonated with the pope's vision for a more inclusive Church.The funeral will be marked less by the traditional pageantry of the Catholic Church and more towards Francis’ personal preference for simplicity, which he implemented in previous ceremonies. Despite these modifications, the event will still feature a grand Mass celebrated by the College of Cardinals, reminding attendees of the deep-rooted Catholic traditions in the presence of world leaders, cardinals dressed in red, and choirs chanting Gregorian melodies.More than 150 delegations are anticipated to join the congregation, including social advocates representing marginalized groups that Francis ardently supported. As the ceremony begins at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET), news agencies worldwide will provide live coverage, enabling those unable to attend to witness this significant moment in history.Preparations are in full swing across Vatican City, where police patrol the streets, ensuring security for the large crowds. Observers note that while the main thoroughfares are quieter than usual, student groups, families, and clergy are already making their way to St. Peter's Square, preparing for an emotional farewell to a pontiff who sought to bridge divides and emphasize pastoral care.Following the Mass, Pope Francis' body will be transported to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial, where he will be laid to rest in accordance with his will's request for an uncomplicated grave bearing the name "Franciscus."As the ceremonial focus shifts from mourning to the task of electing a new pope, speculation about potential successors emerges against a backdrop of global political tensions, amplifying the significance of this moment within the Church and beyond.
