World Leaders Gather For Pope Francis' Funeral

Pope Francis will be mourned by the world on Saturday, April 26, 2025, but only one of his relatives is expected to attend his funeral. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was the oldest of five children to Italian immigrants in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His only living sibling, Maria Elena Bergoglio, 77, last saw her brother in March 2013, just before he left for Rome to attend the conclave that would elevate him to the papacy, as reported by Argentinian news outlet ¡Hola! Maria Elena did not attend Francis' inauguration, saying, "my brother asked us to save money and use it for charitable works." Currently in poor health, she lives among nuns who care for her.

Her son, José Bergoglio, expressed that his family would not travel to Rome for the funeral, stating, "We firmly believe our place is here." This sentiment was echoed by Nauel Sotelo, Argentina's Secretary of Worship and Civilization, who shared José's decision on social media. "José told me that he and his mother's decision was to follow the Holy Father's example and that they had never considered traveling, as they believe it is the best way to honor Francis' memory," Sotelo wrote.

Interestingly, while many family members are choosing not to attend, another nephew, Mauro Bergoglio, is expected to be present at the funeral. Thanks to a generous private donor, Mauro and his wife will travel to Rome, a trip made possible by Rita Mattiello, a travel agency owner who felt compelled to help after hearing about Mauro's financial struggles. "It broke my heart to hear that he couldn’t travel," Mattiello told La Nación, adding that she organized the trip quickly, ensuring they had tickets ready within hours.

Pope Francis' grand-niece, Dr. Carolina Bergoglio, honored him in a heartfelt tribute on Facebook following his death. She described his passing as a "profoundly symbolic moment in the history of humanity," noting his ability to connect with people on a deeply human level. The late Pope also has a 21-year-old great-nephew, Felipe Bergoglio, who plays for the Italian soccer club Castiglionense 1919. Felipe revealed that he never got to meet the Pope personally, but Francis always inquired about the family through Felipe's father.

The funeral service for Pope Francis is set to take place at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. The ceremony marks a significant departure from previous papal funerals, as the late pontiff will not be laid to rest in the Vatican. Instead, after the liturgy, his coffin will be taken to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, fulfilling a personal request made by Francis himself.

Francis passed away at the age of 88 on April 21, following a critical health battle that included a stroke leading to a coma and ultimately irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. The elderly pontiff had been in declining health for some time and had served as the head of the Catholic Church since his election on March 13, 2013. His death prompted an outpouring of condolences from world leaders, with many confirming their attendance at the funeral.

Among the notable figures attending are U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Their presence highlights the fragile state of international diplomacy, particularly as Trump met with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky prior to the service. Interestingly, Trump and Zelensky were seated just ten seats apart during the ceremony, a notable juxtaposition given their recent public disagreements.

The seating arrangements at St. Peter’s Square placed dignitaries on the right-hand side, next to the Basilica, with the best seats reserved for Javier Milei, Argentina's president, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Prince William and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz were also among the attendees, with Starmer sitting in the fifth row alongside his wife, Victoria.

As the funeral approaches, thousands of mourners are expected to gather in St. Peter's Square, with over 250,000 pilgrims having already passed by the Pope's body lying in state. The casket of Pope Francis was sealed in a private ceremony led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, following the ancient Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis. This intimate rite included the reading of the "rogito," a handwritten declaration detailing the life and papacy of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, which was placed inside the coffin alongside other sacred items.

Throughout the night before the funeral, members of the Chapter of St. Peter’s took turns in prayer and vigil at the foot of the Pontiff’s body, continuing the tradition of guarding the Successor of Peter until his final Mass. The world may have come to mourn a global figure, but for many, including his family, he was simply a brother, an uncle, and a son.

In the days leading up to the funeral, José Ignacio Bergoglio, Pope Francis’ nephew, shared his reflections on his uncle, whom he affectionately referred to as "Uncle Jorge." He expressed a sense of comfort upon hearing of his passing, stating, "We knew our loved one was finally at peace, and once again, he was simply our Uncle Jorge." José Ignacio emphasized the importance of honoring Pope Francis’ memory through charitable acts, a sentiment that resonates with the Pope's lifelong commitment to humility and service.

As the world prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis, his legacy as a spiritual leader who spoke to the heart of humanity remains firmly etched in the collective memory of those he touched.