On Saturday, April 26, 2025, approximately 200,000 mourners gathered at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City to commemorate the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The funeral service, conducted by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, began with an elaborate set of rituals, drawing dignitaries and leaders from around the globe.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, made his final public appearance just six days prior, thrilling crowds with an impromptu outing in his popemobile during Easter celebrations. His death, attributed to a stroke, marked the end of a papacy renowned for its emphasis on inclusivity, humility, and outreach to marginalized communities.
A staggering 250,000 people paid their respects to the late pontiff during a three-day lying-in-state at St. Peter’s Basilica, with the final mourners having the opportunity to view his open coffin before it was closed in a private ceremony attended by senior cardinals on Friday evening. Among those who paid their respects was Irish President Michael D. Higgins, who arrived earlier that day.
The funeral service was attended by over 130 delegations, including world leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who met privately ahead of the ceremony. Cardinal Re, in his sermon, praised Francis for his ability to lead with “an open heart toward everyone,” describing him as “a pope among the people.”
The Vatican had made extensive preparations for the event, employing heightened security measures that included a no-fly zone, rooftop snipers, and a strong police presence. The ceremony was designed to reflect Pope Francis’s desire for simplicity, as he had previously approved a set of rules allowing for a less ornate funeral.
Following the service, Francis’s body was to be transported through the streets of Rome to his final resting place at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a departure from the tradition of burying popes in the Vatican grottoes. In his final testament, Francis expressed a wish to be buried in a simple wooden coffin, lined with zinc, and adorned only with the inscription “Franciscus.”
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the leader of Catholics in England and Wales, had predicted the funeral would be a “masterpiece” in stage-managing the presence of world leaders, noting that the Vatican had a long history of handling such significant events. He emphasized the delicate nature of the seating arrangements, which prioritized the birth country of Francis, Argentina, followed by Italy, and then other delegations in alphabetical order.
As the ceremony unfolded, the atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square was charged with emotion. Many mourners had camped out overnight to secure a good spot for the service. Maria Fierro, a mourner from Spain, shared her feelings, stating, “Accompanying him in his last moments is very emotional.”
The funeral service was expected to last about 90 minutes, significantly shorter than the three-hour service for Pope John Paul II in 2005. This decision aligned with Francis’s desire for a simpler, more accessible approach to papal traditions, as he had often criticized the extravagance associated with the papacy.
In the days leading up to the funeral, the Vatican had been a hub of activity, with more than 90,000 worshippers arriving to pay their respects following the pope’s death. The crowds had grown steadily, with lines stretching for over two kilometers as people waited to enter St. Peter’s Basilica.
As the world watched, the funeral not only marked a farewell to a beloved leader but also set the stage for the upcoming conclave, which is expected to begin on May 5, 2025. This gathering of cardinals will elect Francis’s successor, a process that comes with its own set of challenges and expectations.
Among the names being discussed as potential successors are Matteo Zuppi, a progressive Italian cardinal; Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State; and Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines. The conclave, which will be held in the Sistine Chapel, is shrouded in secrecy, with cardinal electors swearing an oath of absolute confidentiality as they deliberate.
In the wake of Pope Francis’s passing, many have reflected on his impact on the Catholic Church and the world at large. His commitment to social justice, environmental issues, and interfaith dialogue has left an indelible mark on millions. As mourners gathered to bid farewell, they not only celebrated his life but also the values he championed throughout his papacy.
As the sun shone down on St. Peter’s Square, the service concluded with a sense of hope and unity, a fitting tribute to a leader who dedicated his life to building bridges and fostering understanding among diverse communities. The legacy of Pope Francis, often referred to as the “people’s pope,” will undoubtedly continue to resonate for years to come.
