Tens of thousands of mourners gathered in St. Peter’s Square today to bid farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 following a cerebral stroke and cardiac complications .
The funeral, held at 10 a.m. local time, was a poignant reflection of the late pontiff’s commitment to humility, inclusion, and reform.
In accordance with reforms he enacted in 2024, Pope Francis’s funeral broke with centuries of tradition. His coffin—a simple wooden casket lined with zinc—was placed directly on the ground before the altar, foregoing the customary triple-casket arrangement and ornate displays .
The Mass was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and attended by clergy, religious, and laypeople from around the world .
True to his pastoral mission, Pope Francis had requested that the funeral include representatives from marginalized communities. Among the mourners were refugees, prisoners, transgender individuals, and the homeless—groups the pope had championed during his 12-year papacy .
The funeral drew over 200,000 attendees and more than 130 foreign delegations, including heads of state and royalty . Notable figures included U.S. President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and Prince William representing King Charles.
Security in Rome was heightened for the occasion, with thousands of personnel deployed and advanced counter-threat measures in place .
In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis was interred at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a site of deep personal significance to him . His burial site is marked by a modest inscription bearing only his papal name, “Franciscus,” reflecting his desire for simplicity .
Prior to the funeral, approximately 250,000 mourners had paid their respects during a three-day public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica . In a private ceremony, his coffin was sealed with traditional rites, including the placement of minted coins from his papacy and a silk cloth over his face .
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy. His tenure was marked by efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy, address clerical sexual abuse, and advocate for the marginalized. He emphasized a “poor Church for the poor” and sought to make the Church more inclusive and responsive to contemporary issues.
As the Church enters a period of mourning and reflection, preparations are underway for the conclave to elect his successor, expected to convene in early May .
Pope Francis’s funeral not only honored his life and service but also underscored the values he championed: humility, inclusivity, and compassion. His legacy will continue to influence the Catholic Church and its faithful around the world.
