In a poignant moment for the Catholic Church and the world, the funeral of Pope Francis is set to unfold on April 26, 2025, following a period of national mourning that has seen an outpouring of respect from hundreds of thousands of people. As of April 25, approximately 250,000 individuals have visited St. Peter's Basilica to pay their final respects to the beloved pontiff, who passed away recently.
The day before the funeral, the atmosphere in Rome is charged with solemnity. A 'green zone' has been established in the Parioli area to facilitate the influx of visitors, and access to St. Peter's Square is being carefully regulated. Bus access to the city center has also been restricted to manage the expected crowds more effectively.
On April 25, the closing ceremony of Pope Francis's coffin took place at 8 PM, presided over by Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell. During this intimate ceremony, a white silk veil was placed over the Pope's face, and a Rogito—an official document summarizing the Pope's life and legacy—was read aloud, highlighting his commitment to humanity and the marginalized. The ceremony concluded at 9 PM, and the coffin was sealed with a zinc lid, which will remain overnight in the Basilica until the funeral.
In anticipation of the funeral, which is scheduled for 10 AM on April 26, extensive preparations are underway. The procession will begin at St. Peter's Square and will last approximately half an hour, winding through the heart of Rome to Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis will be buried. Traffic restrictions are already in place, with local police implementing a comprehensive traffic plan to manage the expected surge of participants.
Authorities predict that around 200,000 people will attend the funeral, with 130 delegations from various countries, including heads of state such as Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and Ursula von der Leyen. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's attendance remains uncertain due to military commitments back home.
As part of the preparations, the IT-Alert system was activated in Rome, informing citizens about access restrictions and the schedule for the funeral. The Basilica will remain open until 7 PM on April 25, allowing more people to pay their respects before the coffin is closed.
Among the notable tributes, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban described Pope Francis as "a courageous and peaceful man" who stood by Hungary during difficult times. Meanwhile, the personal nurse of Pope Francis, Massimiliano Strappetti, has been seen frequently at the Basilica, offering a final farewell to the pontiff he served closely.
In a touching gesture, about forty individuals from marginalized backgrounds, including the homeless and refugees, will pay their respects to the Pope's coffin with white roses on April 26. This reflects Pope Francis's enduring commitment to the poor, a central theme of his papacy.
As preparations continue, the local government has urged citizens to avoid the area around the Vatican and to use public transportation whenever possible. The public transport system has been enhanced, with extended service hours on Metro lines to accommodate the large crowds expected during the funeral.
In a poignant reminder of his wishes, Monsignor Diego Ravelli revealed that Pope Francis had instructed that his funeral should be celebrated "as a pastor and not as a sovereign." This sentiment resonates deeply with the Pope's lifelong dedication to humility and service.
The funeral service is anticipated to be a deeply moving occasion, with a significant focus on the Pope's message of love, compassion, and peace. The Vatican has confirmed that the mass will be celebrated in multiple languages, reflecting the global impact of his papacy.
As the world prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the atmosphere is one of reverence and gratitude for a leader who dedicated his life to serving others. The coming days will not only honor his legacy but also invite reflection on the values he championed throughout his ministry.
In the days following the funeral, visits to Pope Francis's tomb at Santa Maria Maggiore will begin on April 27, allowing the faithful to continue honoring his memory. The legacy of Pope Francis will undoubtedly endure, inspiring future generations to carry forward his message of hope and compassion.
