On Saturday, throngs of mourners gathered in Vatican City and lined the streets of Rome to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, a leader celebrated for his advocacy for migrants and the poor, as well as his transformative efforts within the Catholic Church. The funeral Mass, taking place on the steps of the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica, is attended by over 50 world leaders and 11 reigning monarchs, including notable figures such as US President Donald Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Filipino President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.
The Vatican has made arrangements for as many as 250,000 people to assemble in St. Peter’s Square, with an estimated additional one million lining the 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) procession route from Vatican City to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Many more of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics are expected to watch the funeral of the first Latin American pope from their homes on television. Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 following a stroke on Easter Monday, just a day after blessing the faithful in the same square during one of Christianity's most significant observances.
In the days following his death, approximately 250,000 mourners visited St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects as the pope's body lay in state. His coffin was sealed on Friday night during a liturgical ceremony led by Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, the acting head of the church. The funeral Mass commenced on Saturday morning with a Latin chant: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him,” followed by Bible readings in English and the “Prayer of the Faithful” presented in multiple languages, including French, Arabic, Portuguese, Polish, German, and for the first time, Mandarin. This multilingual approach reflects the pope’s commitment to reaching out to followers across the globe.
In line with his vision for a humble farewell, Pope Francis approved the day’s proceedings back in June 2024, emphasizing a funeral that represents “a pastor and disciple of Christ, not a powerful person in this world.” The pope, who took his name from St. Francis of Assisi—a symbol of poverty, peace, and nature—sought to highlight his dedication to the homeless and disadvantaged. A group of needy individuals will be present on the steps of the papal Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore to pay their last respects before the burial of his coffin.
Pope Francis’ coffin will be transported through the streets of Rome, passing historic landmarks such as the Piazza Venezia and the ancient Colosseum, allowing many to witness his final journey. He will be laid to rest in a manner that marks a significant departure from tradition, becoming the first pope in over three centuries to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore, with the interment taking place privately.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis broke barriers as the first Latin American pontiff, the first Jesuit pope, and the first modern-day pope born outside of Europe. Elected in 2013, he initiated progressive reforms, including the promotion of women’s roles within the church. However, his leadership was not without controversy. Although he took steps to address clerical sexual abuse scandals, many advocates and survivors argue that much more work is necessary. Divisions within the Church regarding same-sex relationships persisted during his tenure, with the pope famously stating, “Who am I to judge?” while also reaffirming the Church's teachings on homosexuality.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, the process of selecting his successor will commence. Cardinals from around the globe will convene in a conclave, where there may be a struggle between those wishing to uphold the pope’s progressive agenda and those advocating for a return to traditional values. Despite differing opinions among Catholics worldwide, many believers expressed pride in the late pope's record during this week’s observances. “He made some good changes in the Church. I think the Church is now more open,” remarked Laura Grund from Leipzig, Germany. Sister Luisa, a nun from Munich, reflected on his simplicity and love for others, stating, “We feel very blessed, but also deep sorrow.”
