Pope Francis: A Humble Farewell and the Legacy of Simplicity

In an understated yet poignant farewell, Pope Francis was honored in a small Vatican ceremony shortly after his passing. The event, traditionally small-scale despite the public's anticipated outpouring of grief, took place at around 8 p.m. on April 21, 2025, just twelve hours posthumously. In a significant demonstration of humility, Pope Francis' body was moved from his modest guesthouse residence to the Chapel of Santa Marta, where Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed his death, a ceremony fitting for the pontiff known for his relaxed lifestyle and rejection of opulence.

The Vatican released photographs that highlight the simplicity that characterized Francis’ papacy. Rather than the opulent surroundings typical of popes before him, the setting was stark and unadorned, echoing his ethos of humility. Following Francis’ instructions, a single wooden coffin lined in zinc was utilized instead of the multi-coffin tradition observed in past funerals – a notable shift in protocol reflective of his vision for a more accessible church.

As the world awaits further commemorative events, including a grand public funeral in St. Peter’s Square, the path set by Pope Francis sees the Church navigating a change not merely in ritual, but in its core message: simplicity, service, and a call to lead with humility. The upcoming days promise to capture both the sorrow of a loss felt worldwide and the profound impact his life and work imparted on the Catholic Church and beyond.