As the world mourns the passing of Pope Franziskus, the Vatican has announced the details of the funeral proceedings set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Following the Pope's death on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, preparations for his final farewell have been meticulously planned, marking a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church.
On Friday evening, April 25, the coffin of Pope Franziskus was closed during a private ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica, where his body had been laid out for public viewing since Wednesday. According to Catholic tradition, a white silk cloth was placed over the Pope's face, a gesture symbolizing his passage into eternal rest. The ceremony was led by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the Vatican's Cardinal Chamberlain, who presided over the solemn event attended by several other Cardinals and invited guests.
Throughout the week, approximately 250,000 people paid their respects to the beloved Pontiff, reflecting his profound impact on the global Catholic community. The funeral service is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of attendees, with significant representation from various countries. The Vatican has confirmed that delegations from 130 nations will be present, following a protocol allowing one delegation leader plus five members.
The funeral mass will begin at 10:00 AM in St. Peter's Square, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who is 91 years old. This mass is anticipated to last between one and a half to two hours, culminating in the Eucharist, a sacred rite commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ.
Following the mass, the coffin will be transported to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a six-kilometer journey through the heart of Rome. This route is significant, as it marks the first time in over 350 years that a Pope will be buried outside the Vatican walls. Pope Franziskus had expressed his desire to be laid to rest in Santa Maria Maggiore, a church he held dear, and this wish will be honored during the procession.
The Vatican has planned for the procession to take approximately 30 minutes, departing from St. Peter's Basilica via a small entrance known as the Porta del Perugino. Notably, the procession will not travel along the Via della Conciliazione, which leads directly to St. Peter's Square, but will instead navigate through the city's historic streets, allowing mourners to catch a final glimpse of the Pope's coffin.
Among the dignitaries expected to attend the funeral are former US President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, who have previously met with the Pope on several occasions. President Biden, a devout Catholic, expressed his sorrow at the Pope's passing and is expected to honor him alongside President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, who are also making their way to Rome for the occasion.
Other notable attendees include French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and acting Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Prince William will represent the British royal family, emphasizing the global significance of this event.
While the funeral will be a grand affair, it will also reflect Pope Franziskus' desire for simplicity and humility. Unlike previous papal funerals, the Pope's body will not rest on a catafalque, a raised platform typically used for such occasions, but in an open coffin. This decision aligns with his wishes for a less ostentatious farewell.
As the world prepares for this historic event, the Vatican has also announced that the Pope's living quarters and offices in the Apostolic Palace have been sealed, a customary procedure until the election of his successor. The conclave to choose the next Pope is expected to begin in early May, with 135 eligible Cardinals from around the world set to participate in the voting process.
In a nod to the Pope's outreach efforts, the procession will be inclusive, with a group of homeless individuals receiving the coffin upon arrival at Santa Maria Maggiore. This gesture symbolizes the Pope's commitment to the marginalized and his belief in serving the least among us.
As the funeral draws near, many have expressed their condolences and shared memories of the Pope's leadership. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered his sympathies, stating, "The State of Israel expresses its heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and the Catholic community worldwide on the death of Pope Franziskus. May he rest in peace."
The expected timeline for the funeral events is as follows: Cardinals will arrive at St. Peter's Basilica at 9:00 AM, with state guests arriving shortly thereafter. The mass will commence at 10:00 AM and conclude around noon, followed by the departure of the funeral procession at approximately 12:30 PM. The procession will arrive at Santa Maria Maggiore around 1:00 PM, with the burial ceremony reserved for a select group of attendees.
As the world watches, the funeral of Pope Franziskus not only marks the end of an era but also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy he leaves behind. His commitment to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and compassion for the marginalized will resonate with millions for years to come.
