Pope Francis, the groundbreaking reformer who led the Catholic Church for 12 years, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, from a stroke and cardiac arrest. His death has set in motion a series of ancient rituals culminating in the selection of his successor. The funeral Mass for the beloved pontiff will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in St Peter's Square, where tens of thousands of mourners are expected to pay their respects.
In the days following his death, cardinals and bishops began the solemn procession to move Pope Francis' body from his residence in Casa Santa Marta to St Peter's Basilica. The body, laid out in an open coffin, will lie in state for three days, allowing Catholic faithful to pay their final respects. The procession, which commenced on Wednesday morning, April 23, features Latin chants and involves a grand entry through the central door of the basilica, crossing Piazza Santa Marta and Piazza dei Protomartiri Romani.
Public viewing of the late pontiff's body will be available until midnight on Wednesday, April 23, and from 7 AM to 7 PM on Thursday and Friday, April 24 and 25, respectively. The funeral will begin at 10 AM local time on Saturday, April 26, and is expected to last approximately 2.5 hours. Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will lead the service, which will be co-celebrated by cardinals, archbishops, and bishops.
As the world mourns, dignitaries from across the globe have confirmed their attendance at the funeral. Among them are US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Vatican anticipates between 150 and 170 foreign delegations, along with tens of thousands of attendees. Security measures have been heightened in preparation for the event, coinciding with Italy's public holiday on April 25.
Pope Francis, known for his compassionate approach and advocacy for the marginalized, had expressed a desire to be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major, rather than St Peter's, marking a significant departure from tradition. He will be the first pope in over a century to be laid to rest outside the Vatican. The simple inscription of his name in Latin, "Franciscus," will adorn his grave.
Following the funeral, the Vatican will observe nine days of mourning, known as the novemdiales. Cardinal Re will summon the church's cardinals for a conclave to elect a new pope, expected to commence 15 to 20 days after Pope Francis' death, likely not before May 6, 2025. Currently, there are no clear frontrunners for the papacy, although Luis Antonio Tagle, a reformer from the Philippines, and Pietro Parolin, a compromise candidate from Italy, are early favorites.
As the Catholic Church navigates this period of transition, Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, will oversee ordinary affairs until a new pope is elected. Farrell, an Irish-American cardinal, is tasked with maintaining the administrative functions of the church during this time of vacancy.
Pope Francis' final moments were marked by a peaceful farewell to his nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, who had been by his side during his illness. Just a day before slipping into a coma, the pope expressed gratitude for a surprise return to St Peter's Square, where he had greeted thousands of faithful. His last public appearance on Easter Sunday was a poignant reminder of his dedication to the church and its followers.
In the wake of his passing, the Vatican has received an outpouring of tributes from around the world, reflecting on the profound impact Pope Francis had on the global community. His legacy as a champion of peace, social justice, and interfaith dialogue will resonate for generations to come.
As preparations for the funeral continue, the Catholic Church stands united in grief, honoring a leader who sought to bridge divides and promote a message of hope and compassion. The upcoming conclave will be a pivotal moment in the church's history, as cardinals gather to select a new leader who will carry forward the vision of Pope Francis.
