Pope Francis, the 88-year-old spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, due to a cerebral hemorrhage and irreversible heart failure. His death, confirmed by Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli, has sent shockwaves around the globe, prompting mourning and tributes from world leaders and followers alike.
The Vatican announced that the funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM. This date coincides with King’s Day in the Netherlands, raising questions about the implications for the celebrations there. The municipality of Doetinchem, where the royal family is set to celebrate, is currently in consultation with the Government Information Service (RVD) to determine how to proceed.
As preparations for the funeral unfold, Pastor Hans Pauw of the Doetinchem parish has stated that he will prioritize the Pope’s funeral over the King’s Day festivities. He emphasized that the municipality and the RVD must weigh their decisions regarding the royal visit.
Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a departure from the tradition of interring popes in St. Peter’s Basilica. This choice reflects his desire for a simpler burial, as he requested to be placed in a simple wooden coffin without decoration. His testament, published by the Vatican, outlines his final wishes, stating, "The suffering that characterized the last part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples."
On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 09:00 AM, the Pope's body will be transferred to St. Peter's Basilica, where the faithful will have the opportunity to pay their last respects. The Vatican has already released images of the Pope lying in an open coffin dressed in his red robe, miter, and holding a rosary, taken in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, his residence.
World leaders have begun announcing their attendance at the funeral. Notable figures include U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend, although it remains unclear who will represent Russia at the ceremony.
In Indonesia, where the majority of the population is Muslim, the Pope's death has also evoked a strong response. Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, a member of the Islamic Scholars Council, praised the Pope for his calls for peace and brotherhood, aligning with the council's values. This reflects the Pope's global influence and his efforts to foster interfaith dialogue.
In the Netherlands, hundreds gathered at the Nicolaaskathedraal in Amsterdam to sign a condolence book for the late Pope. The cathedral opened earlier than usual to accommodate the influx of mourners, with an estimated 400 to 500 signatures collected so far. A special Eucharistic celebration in memory of the Pope is scheduled for Wednesday evening.
Additionally, the death of Pope Francis has sparked a surge in demand for his autobiography, prompting the publisher to initiate a reprint. The book, titled "Hope," was originally set to be released posthumously but was expedited for publication to coincide with the jubilee year of 2025.
As the world mourns, tributes continue to pour in from various leaders. The Argentine President Javier Milei expressed his sorrow, recalling the Pope's kindness and wisdom despite their differences. In Brazil, President Lula announced seven days of national mourning, highlighting the Pope's impact on the global Catholic community. Spain has similarly declared three days of mourning, with officials noting their close ties to the Pope's work and values.
The Italian Serie A has postponed all scheduled matches on the day of the Pope's funeral, recognizing the significance of the occasion. This decision underscores the profound respect and impact that Pope Francis had not only within the church but also in the broader societal context.
In his final public appearance, Pope Francis wished the crowd a "Happy Easter" just a day before his passing, demonstrating his commitment to his role even in the face of declining health. Despite recent health struggles, he remained dedicated to his duties, receiving visitors and delivering blessings until the very end.
As the preparations for the funeral continue, the congregation of cardinals will meet to finalize the details, including the date for the conclave to elect the next Pope, which typically occurs 15 to 20 days after a Pope's death. The world watches closely as it bids farewell to a leader who was not only a religious figure but also a voice for the marginalized and a champion of peace.
The funeral service will be broadcast live, allowing millions to partake in this significant moment. KRO-NCRV will air the event on NPO 2, featuring commentary from Vatican experts and discussions on the Pope's legacy.
As the world reflects on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, it is clear that his impact transcended religious boundaries, fostering a spirit of compassion and unity among diverse communities.
