Catholics in New Caledonia are coming together to honor the late Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025, due to a stroke. In the days following his death, prayer services and a special mass were held at the Nouméa cathedral, culminating in an official mass on Friday evening, April 25, 2025. This gathering was organized by the diocese and the new archbishop, Monseigneur Susitino Sionepoe, and saw nearly 500 believers in attendance.
During the service, attendees expressed their deep appreciation for the Pope's message of peace and love. One participant remarked, "He spoke a lot about peace, the Pope," highlighting how his calls for harmony resonated with many. Another parishioner, visibly emotional, stated, "It’s someone who meant a lot to us," reflecting the profound impact Pope Francis had on the community.
The official funeral for Pope Francis is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time in Rome, which corresponds to 19:00 in Nouméa. Hundreds of thousands of people, along with approximately 50 heads of state, including Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron, are expected to attend this historic event. The mass will be celebrated on the parvis of St. Peter's Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals.
Following the mass, the Pope's coffin will travel through Rome, covering about four kilometers to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he will be interred. This significant moment will be broadcast live on NC la 1ère, allowing many in New Caledonia to participate in this momentous occasion from afar.
In France, major television networks have planned extensive coverage of the funeral. TF1 will kick off its broadcast at 8:00 AM, featuring hosts Anne-Claire Coudray and Gilles Bouleau, with live reports from a team of correspondents on the ground in Rome. France 2 will follow suit, starting its coverage at 9:10 AM, with Julian Bugier leading the program alongside experts discussing the implications of the Pope's legacy.
BFMTV and CNews will also provide live coverage from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM respectively, ensuring viewers are kept informed throughout the day. KTO, a channel dedicated to religious programming, will broadcast the funeral mass at 10:00 AM and a special edition later in the evening.
As the world prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the atmosphere in Rome is charged with anticipation. The Italian Civil Protection Agency has estimated that several hundred thousand people will flock to the city for the funeral, which coincides with a public holiday, further amplifying the expected turnout. Authorities have implemented extensive security measures around St. Peter's Square, including a high presence of law enforcement, volunteers, and even anti-drone systems to ensure the safety of all attendees.
In addition to the heads of state from around the globe, including representatives from various countries, the funeral will also draw significant attention from the media. The event is not just a farewell to a beloved leader but a moment of reflection on the future of the Catholic Church, as attention will soon shift to the conclave that will elect the next Pope. While the official start date of the conclave is yet to be announced, it is expected to take place between May 5 and May 10, 2025.
The funeral of Pope Francis is a poignant reminder of his legacy and the profound impact he had on millions around the world. His calls for peace, compassion, and understanding will continue to resonate long after his passing. As the faithful gather in Rome and beyond, they do so not only to mourn but to celebrate a life dedicated to service and love for humanity.
In New Caledonia, many will gather in front of their screens to witness the funeral ceremony live, reflecting the global nature of the Catholic community and the shared grief felt by many. As the world watches, the legacy of Pope Francis will undoubtedly live on, inspiring future generations to pursue a path of peace and understanding.
