Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death, attributed to a cerebral stroke that led to irreversible cardiocirculatory failure, has sent shockwaves around the globe, prompting an immediate response from the Vatican and world leaders.
In accordance with established protocols following the death of a pontiff, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis’s coffin will be moved from the Santa Marta chapel, where he resided, to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 9:00 AM. There, it will lie in state for three days, allowing the faithful to pay their last respects. The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter's Square.
Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the camerlengo of the Holy See, has assumed the highest authority during this interregnum and will oversee the preparations for the funeral and the upcoming conclave to elect the new pope. The first congregation of cardinals began meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to discuss the logistics of the transition and the modalities of the body’s transfer. Cardinal Farrell confirmed that the process would adhere to the guidelines set forth by canon law, which stipulates that no changes are to be made during this period of vacancy. “When the see is vacant, nothing should be innovated,” he stated.
World leaders have expressed their condolences and confirmed their attendance at the funeral. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.S. President Donald Trump are among those expected to attend. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva remarked that with the passing of Pope Francis, “the world loses a voice of respect and welcome to others,” decreeing seven days of mourning in Brazil. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has canceled her international agenda to attend the funeral, reflecting the global significance of the event.
In Spain, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, accompanied by Queen Sofía, visited the Apostolic Nunciature to sign the book of condolences. The Spanish government declared three days of official mourning from April 21 to April 23, 2025, to honor the pontiff’s legacy. The Spanish monarch expressed his sorrow in a telegram to Cardinal Giovanni Battista, emphasizing the pope's commitment to dialogue and solidarity.
During the nine days of mourning, the public will have the opportunity to say goodbye to Pope Francis, whose body will be displayed in a simple wooden coffin, dressed in a white cassock and a red chasuble, the color of mourning in the Vatican. This marks a departure from traditional practices, as he will not be buried within the Vatican but rather in the Basilica of Santa Maria la Mayor, in accordance with his wishes expressed in a document from 2022. His tomb will bear the simple inscription: "Franciscus." This decision reflects Pope Francis’s humility and his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, as he often prayed at this basilica before and after his apostolic journeys.
The conclave to elect his successor is expected to take place between May 5 and May 10, 2025, with 135 cardinals from 71 countries participating. The election process will begin in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals will be confined until a new pope is elected. The current regulations allow for a maximum of 120 voting cardinals, excluding those over the age of 80.
As the world mourns, discussions about potential successors are already underway. Some of the cardinals considered as candidates include Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Peter Turkson, among others. Each brings a unique perspective and background, which could shape the future direction of the Catholic Church.
Francisco's papacy, which began on March 13, 2013, was marked by a commitment to social justice, environmental issues, and outreach to marginalized communities. His passing has left a significant void, as he was a champion of compassion and inclusivity, often emphasizing the importance of caring for the poor and vulnerable.
In the wake of his death, many are reflecting on his legacy. Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva, the archbishop of Buenos Aires, described him as “the father of all, the father of humanity,” highlighting his insistence that the Church must have room for everyone, particularly the most fragile and marginalized. This sentiment resonates deeply as the Church prepares to enter a new chapter.
As the preparations for the funeral and conclave unfold, the world watches closely, awaiting the next steps in a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church. The transition of leadership comes at a time of significant global challenges, and the choice of the next pope will undoubtedly influence the Church's direction in addressing these issues.
The upcoming days will be filled with solemnity and reflection as the Catholic community and the world at large honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis, a leader who dedicated his life to fostering peace, compassion, and understanding across all borders.
