Tens of thousands of pilgrims, dignitaries, and devotees attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, honoring his legacy of inclusivity and compassion.
Pope Francis' Funeral: A Historic Farewell in Vatican City
Pope Francis' Funeral: A Historic Farewell in Vatican City
Mourners from across the globe gather in Vatican City to honor the life of Pope Francis during his funeral service at St. Peter's Square.
In a grand yet simplified ceremony, Pope Francis’ funeral took place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City. The first Jesuit and first Latin American pope, Francis died on Monday at the age of 88. In a departure from traditional papal funerals, he had requested a more humble send-off, leading to a gathering that saw over 100,000 attendees, including royals, state leaders, and the public.
As the mass commenced at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET), dignitaries from more than 150 countries filled the square, reflecting Francis’ global impact. Among the notable attendees were President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and President Javier Milei of Argentina, where Francis was born. A poignant moment was the attendance of refugees and homeless individuals, groups for whom the late pontiff had immense affection and advocated for throughout his tenure.
The ceremony remained rich in tradition, highlighted by solemn marches of cardinals in red robes, Gregorian chants, and prayers. Following the mass, Pope Francis' unadorned wooden coffin was transported to St. Mary Major basilica, a site of personal significance for him, where a small, private burial ceremony would take place.
Addressing security, law enforcement was heavily deployed in Rome to manage what was expected to be a historic turnout. Streets leading to the Vatican were closed, and a multitude of volunteers supported attendees. Mourners who had camped out overnight shared stories of their journey, embodying the spirit of community that Francis had long fostered.
As the world reflected upon his reformative contributions and the challenges he faced, speculation around his successor intensified, with the election among the College of Cardinals anticipated to begin shortly after the funeral. In a world grappling with division, Pope Francis is remembered for his efforts in promoting love, unity, and inclusivity within and beyond the Catholic Church.
As the mass commenced at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET), dignitaries from more than 150 countries filled the square, reflecting Francis’ global impact. Among the notable attendees were President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and President Javier Milei of Argentina, where Francis was born. A poignant moment was the attendance of refugees and homeless individuals, groups for whom the late pontiff had immense affection and advocated for throughout his tenure.
The ceremony remained rich in tradition, highlighted by solemn marches of cardinals in red robes, Gregorian chants, and prayers. Following the mass, Pope Francis' unadorned wooden coffin was transported to St. Mary Major basilica, a site of personal significance for him, where a small, private burial ceremony would take place.
Addressing security, law enforcement was heavily deployed in Rome to manage what was expected to be a historic turnout. Streets leading to the Vatican were closed, and a multitude of volunteers supported attendees. Mourners who had camped out overnight shared stories of their journey, embodying the spirit of community that Francis had long fostered.
As the world reflected upon his reformative contributions and the challenges he faced, speculation around his successor intensified, with the election among the College of Cardinals anticipated to begin shortly after the funeral. In a world grappling with division, Pope Francis is remembered for his efforts in promoting love, unity, and inclusivity within and beyond the Catholic Church.
