In brief
The funeral of Pope Francis drew tens of thousands of mourners and world leaders paying their final respects to a revered pontiff, celebrated for his dedication to inclusivity and compassion during his 12-year papacy.
April 26, 2025, 3:55 a.m. ET – Thousands of mourners, dignitaries, and leaders from around the globe filled St. Peter's Square today to bid farewell to Pope Francis during a somber yet grand funeral service. The ceremony, characterized by humility as desired by the late pope, reflected his mission of fostering a more inclusive Roman Catholic Church. Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at 88, championed the marginalized and frequently advocated for the voiceless during his time as pontiff. Despite simplifying the ceremony to emphasize humility, the traditional pageantry remained in place, attracting over 150 foreign delegations, including notable leaders such as President Trump, former President Biden, and President Javier Milei of Argentina. The heart of the funeral began with an open-air Mass at 10 a.m. local time, attended by throngs of faithful, many of whom consider the pope a symbol of compassion and outreach. The proceedings continued with a symbolic burial at the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis requested to be interred in a simple manner, reflecting his deep connection to humility and dedication to serving others. The pontiff's final resting place is marked with an unadorned grave inscribed simply with "Franciscus," highlighting his belief in a modest approach to both life and death. Media coverage has sprawled globally, offering live feeds and extensive commentary as the world bid farewell to a man who navigated complex relationships with world leaders and sought to advocate for peace and unity amidst ongoing geopolitical divides. As dignitaries and mourners made their way through security checks in preparation for the funeral, the atmosphere was one of unity and reflection in the face of significant loss. The event not only commemorated Pope Francis's influential legacy but also sparked conversations about the future leadership of the Catholic Church, as attention turns to selecting his successor during this time of transition.
