Pope Francis has passed away, leaving a profound impact on the Catholic Church and the world. According to his doctor, in the weeks leading up to his death, the Pope made it clear that he did not want any artificial ventilation. Professor Sergio Alfieri, who treated him during his 38-day stay at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, revealed that during a previous hospitalization in 2021, the Pope had requested to avoid futile therapies in case of an emergency. This decision reflects his desire for a peaceful end, as he was supplied with oxygen through a tube and a mask but was never intubated.
In the early hours of April 21, 2025, Pope Francis woke up to drink a glass of water but soon fell into a coma. Dr. Alfieri was called around 5:30 AM and found the Pope unresponsive, with his pulse slowing. His death was officially confirmed at 7:35 AM. The Pope’s passing marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church, as it prepares for the upcoming conclave to elect a new leader.
Since the public viewing began on April 23, over 128,000 visitors have entered St. Peter's Basilica to pay their respects. The last day for the public to visit the Pope's open coffin is April 25, 2025, before it is closed at 7 PM. The funeral and burial will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10 AM, with Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, presiding over the mass.
In anticipation of the funeral, significant figures from around the globe are expected to attend. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania, along with leaders from various countries, including Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, have confirmed their participation. The Vatican is preparing for a large turnout, expecting around 50 heads of state and ten monarchs, with at least 130 foreign delegations confirmed.
Among those attending will be European leaders, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who will represent King Charles III. German leaders, including President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz, will also be present, while Friedrich Merz will not attend. The event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of mourners from around the world, underscoring the Pope’s global influence and the deep respect he garnered during his tenure.
In Poland, Saturday has been declared a national day of mourning, with President Andrzej Duda attending the funeral. Other dignitaries include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife, as well as leaders from various European nations. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend but will send his Culture Minister, Olga Ljubimova.
The funeral will follow traditional Catholic rites, which include three main stations: farewell prayers in the deceased's home, a mass in the church, and a procession to the grave. The Pope will be buried in the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, his chosen resting place, with a simple grave marked only by the inscription "Franciscus," as per his wishes.
As the world mourns, the Vatican has also announced a nine-day mourning period starting April 26, during which daily masses will be held in honor of the late Pope. This tradition, known as "novendiales," symbolizes the connection between the living and the deceased, allowing the church community to reflect on the Pope's legacy while preparing for the forthcoming conclave.
In the aftermath of his passing, there have been reports of chaotic scenes outside St. Peter's Basilica, where crowds have gathered to pay their respects. Some individuals have bypassed police barriers in their eagerness to enter, leading to heightened security measures. The Vatican has emphasized the importance of maintaining order during this period of mourning.
In addition to the mourning and tributes, there are concerns about cybercriminals exploiting the Pope's death to spread misinformation and malware. Authorities are warning the public to be vigilant against scams that may arise in the wake of this significant event.
As the Catholic Church navigates this transition, the focus will soon shift to the conclave, which is expected to commence between May 5 and May 10, 2025. The Cardinals, who have gathered in Rome, are engaging in discussions about the future direction of the church and the qualities they seek in the next Pope.
With the world watching closely, the legacy of Pope Francis and his contributions to the church will undoubtedly shape the discussions and decisions in the coming days. His commitment to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and pastoral care has left an indelible mark, making the upcoming conclave a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church.
