As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, a grand and solemn funeral ceremony is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM Rome time in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Following the mass, the Pope's body will be laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria la Mayor, fulfilling his personal wish for a simple burial.
Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke and heart failure, was the first Latin American pontiff and served for 12 years, marked by his commitment to social justice and humility. His death has drawn an outpouring of grief and respect from around the globe, with an estimated 200,000 people expected to attend the funeral, including over 130 international delegations, 50 heads of state, and 10 monarchs.
The funeral will commence with the transfer of the Pope's coffin from St. Peter's Basilica to St. Peter's Square, a procession led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. The coffin will be carried by 12 sediarios pontificios, a body of laypersons traditionally responsible for transporting the Pope in a ceremonial chair known as the sedia gestatoria. Although this ancient practice has largely fallen out of use, the sediarios continue to play a vital role in papal funerals.
As the coffin is escorted by the Swiss Guard, the procession will be marked by moments of reflection, including the singing of the Litany of the Saints and readings from the Gospel of John. The ceremony will follow the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, ensuring that the rituals observe the deep traditions of the Catholic Church.
Attendees will include notable figures such as Javier Milei, President of Argentina; Donald Trump, former President of the United States; and Daniel Noboa, President of Ecuador. The King and Queen of Spain, Felipe VI and Letizia, will also be present, along with many other dignitaries from around the world. The seating arrangement will follow a carefully established diplomatic protocol, with heads of state and Catholic royal families occupying the front rows.
In a unique twist to the seating arrangement, Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron will find themselves in the same row, adhering to the French alphabetical order for delegates. Joe Biden, who confirmed his attendance due to his close relationship with Pope Francis, is expected to be seated further back.
Following the funeral mass, the funeral cortege will travel six kilometers through the heart of Rome, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Via della Conciliazione, the Plaza Venezia, the Imperial Forums, and the Colosseum. This procession will allow the public to pay their final respects as the Pope's body makes its way to its final resting place.
At the Basilica of Santa Maria la Mayor, Pope Francis will be buried in a simple grave, reflecting his humble nature. His tomb will bear a straightforward inscription in Latin that reads simply "Franciscus," a testament to his desire for simplicity and connection with the people.
The sediarios pontificios, though once primarily known for carrying the sedia gestatoria, have adapted their role over the years, especially since the practice was discontinued in 1978 by Pope John Paul II. Today, they assist in various ceremonial duties and are integral to the logistics of papal events, including funerals.
As the world watches this historic moment, the presence of thousands of faithful, dignitaries, and the media highlights the significant impact Pope Francis had during his papacy. His commitment to social issues, interfaith dialogue, and outreach to marginalized communities will be remembered as hallmarks of his tenure.
In this time of mourning, the Vatican has also initiated the Novendiales, a period of nine days of official mourning, allowing the faithful to reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis and his contributions to the Catholic Church and the world at large.
As the ceremony unfolds, it will serve not only as a farewell to a beloved leader but also as a reminder of the enduring values he championed—humility, compassion, and a call to serve those in need.
