On Saturday morning, April 26, 2025, the funeral mass for Pope Francis was held at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, drawing a significant crowd of dignitaries and mourners alike. The service commenced at 10:00 AM, marking a poignant farewell to the pontiff who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Among the attendees were several royal families, including the Belgian and Spanish royal couples, as well as Prince Carlos from the Netherlands, who expressed his gratitude for being able to attend this solemn event.
Despite the presence of many royals, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands were notably absent, opting instead to participate in Koningsdag celebrations in Doetinchem. The funeral mass was attended by royal couples from Sweden, Belgium, Spain, and Jordan, along with the crown princely couple from Norway and the grand ducal couple from Luxembourg. Queen Mary of Denmark attended alone due to King Frederik's prior commitments in Japan, and Prince William represented King Charles.
The funeral mass was not only a royal affair but also an international gathering, with world leaders in attendance. Notable figures included U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Netherlands was represented by Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp.
Prior to the mass, many mourners had lined up at St. Peter's Basilica to pay their last respects to Pope Francis, with approximately 250,000 people visiting over the preceding days. Among them was Sister Geneviève Jeanningros, an 81-year-old French-Argentine nun who considered the pope a close ally in her advocacy for marginalized groups. Sister Jeanningros was granted special permission to break protocol, allowing her to spend seven emotional minutes at the coffin, praying and crying without interruption from the gathered crowd.
As the funeral mass began, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of reverence. The service, led by 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, celebrated Pope Francis as a "pope of the people" and highlighted his commitment to brotherhood and compassion. Applause erupted from the congregation during key moments of the sermon, especially when discussing the pope's pastoral efforts and his courageous visit to Iraq in 2021.
Following the mass, the coffin was transported through the heart of Rome to the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a journey of approximately six kilometers. Along the route, the pope's coffin was met with applause from the public, who had gathered to pay their respects. The Vatican arranged for space on the steps of the basilica for a group of poor and needy individuals, as they held a special place in Pope Francis's heart.
In a rare personal video message, King Willem-Alexander acknowledged the dual significance of the day, reflecting on the loss of Pope Francis while also celebrating Koningsdag. The funeral mass was a mix of solemnity and celebration of the pope's life, which had been marked by a progressive vision for the Catholic Church, even as he maintained traditional stances on certain ethical issues.
After the service, the coffin was laid to rest in Santa Maria Maggiore, marking a significant departure from the tradition of burying popes within Vatican City. Pope Francis had expressed a desire for a simpler farewell, opting for a single coffin with just the inscription "Franciscus" on his grave. This decision followed a broader initiative he had implemented in November 2024 to simplify funeral rituals.
As the world watched, the funeral of Pope Francis became a moment of unity, drawing together people from various backgrounds and beliefs. The gathering of dignitaries and the public alike highlighted the impact of the pope's life and the legacy he leaves behind. With his death, many are left to ponder the future of the Catholic Church and the direction it will take in a rapidly changing world.
In the days leading up to the funeral, the Vatican had seen an outpouring of grief and reflection, with countless individuals sharing their memories and experiences with the late pontiff. His commitment to social justice and outreach to the marginalized resonated deeply with many, as evidenced by the heartfelt tributes that circulated on social media and in public discourse.
As the funeral concluded and Pope Francis was laid to rest, the international community was reminded of the power of compassion and the importance of dialogue in fostering understanding among diverse groups. His legacy as a bridge-builder will undoubtedly influence future generations, encouraging them to pursue peace and unity in a world often divided by conflict.
With the burial complete, the Vatican opened the grave to the public, allowing individuals to come and pay their respects to a man who dedicated his life to serving others. The presence of so many world leaders and royals at the funeral underscored the global significance of Pope Francis's contributions, as well as the profound sense of loss felt by many.
In the end, the funeral of Pope Francis was not just a farewell to a beloved leader, but a celebration of a life spent in service to humanity. As the world reflects on his teachings and actions, it is clear that his influence will endure long after his passing.
