In brief
The Vatican has announced Pope Francis’ funeral will take place on Saturday, following a period of mourning and tributes worldwide. The service will be attended by prominent leaders, including President Trump and President Zelensky, as the Catholic Church prepares to choose a successor.
April 22, 2025, 3:21 p.m. ETIn the wake of Pope Francis’ passing, preparations are underway for a solemn funeral service scheduled for Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica. This significant event is expected to draw an array of political and religious leaders from around the globe, with notable attendees including former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, both of whom have acknowledged the pope's impactful legacy, despite varying theological perspectives.Crowds have already begun to gather to pay their respects, with the pope’s body laying in repose at Casa Santa Marta, his residence, dressed in traditional vestments and holding a rosary. Mourners from across continents participated in memorial Masses, reflecting the worldwide reverence for Francis, who had made a significant mark during his 12-year papacy, advocating for marginalized communities, fighting for climate change awareness, and promoting interfaith dialogue.The Vatican confirmed that the pope’s funeral will incorporate simpler rituals, adhering to the informal and approachable style that marked his papacy—a departure from the grand conventions that previously characterized such ceremonies. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will preside over the mass, adhering to guidelines established by Francis himself in previous directives.As the pope’s body is transported to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing, governments around the world have issued statements of mourning, lowering flags in his honor. Nations such as Italy, Brazil, and Argentina, his homeland, have declared official days of mourning, recognizing the profound loss felt internationally.In an unexpected turn, President Trump declared his intention to attend, highlighting the diverse array of leaders with differing views on the pontiff’s progressive stances, particularly regarding immigration and social justice. The funeral will likely bring together these political figures in a symbol of unity amid contrasting beliefs, with the Vatican positioned to deftly manage the complexities of such a gathering.Following the funeral, cardinals from around the world will convene in a conclave, tasked with the vital duty of selecting a new pope, as they navigate the evolving landscape of the Catholic Church, representing over 1.3 billion adherents globally.Francis' health has been a matter of concern, with his demise attributed to a cerebral stroke that severely impacted his cardiovascular system. In his last will, he expressed a desire for a simple burial at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, reducing the extravagance often associated with the papacy.As transitions within the church begin, many are reflecting on Francis’ significant contributions, from his advocacy for the LGBTQ community to his engaging approach towards youth and emphasis on the poor—setting a unique legacy in the church's history for his humility and approachability.
