The funeral of Pope Francis will take place this Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, following a decision by Roman Catholic cardinals on Tuesday.
The solemn ceremony is expected to attract global dignitaries and mark the end of an era defined by reform, controversy, and compassion.
Francis, who was 88, passed away on Monday after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest. His papacy was notable for challenging traditionalist views and standing firmly with the marginalized and poor.
Earlier in 2025, the pontiff was hospitalized for five weeks with double pneumonia, and although he appeared to be regaining strength, the Vatican shared on Tuesday that his final hours were peaceful.
According to Vatican accounts, Francis began to feel unwell around 5:30 a.m. (0330 GMT) on Monday. He received immediate medical attention, and shortly after 6:30 a.m., made a gesture of farewell to his devoted nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, before slipping into a coma.
He was pronounced dead at 7:35 a.m.
Photos released by the Vatican showed the late pope dressed in his sacred garments, resting in a wooden coffin within the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, his home throughout his 12-year tenure. Swiss Guards stood solemnly on each side of his casket.
On Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. (0700 GMT), his body will be moved in a cardinal-led procession to St. Peter’s Basilica, giving the faithful a chance to pay their respects to the first Latin American pope.
The funeral Mass, to be held in St. Peter’s Square beneath the looming Basilica, will commence at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who frequently clashed with the pope over immigration policies, confirmed he and his wife would travel to Rome for the occasion. Other world leaders expected to attend include Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, as shared by a source from the Ukrainian presidency.
Departure from Tradition
In a final, personal request, Pope Francis asked to be buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, instead of the traditional papal resting place at St. Peter’s.
This wish, revealed in his last testament on Monday, marks a symbolic departure from custom.
His death has triggered centuries-old Vatican traditions, such as the destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring and lead seal — iconic symbols of papal authority — to prevent misuse after his passing.
As mourning continues across the global Catholic community, the Vatican began preparations for the next phase.
All cardinals present in Rome gathered on Tuesday to review immediate Church operations and set plans for the coming days, including the transition leading to the selection of a new pontiff.
The conclave, a secretive process to elect the next pope, traditionally begins 15 to 20 days after a pope’s death, setting a tentative earliest date of May 6 for the start. Cardinals will finalize the timeline after the funeral.
Out of the current cardinals, 135 are eligible to vote in the conclave. The process can take several days, culminating when white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope.
So far, no clear successor has emerged.
Legacy of Reform
Pope Francis came to power during a time of deep unrest within the Church. Over the years, he worked diligently to reform the Vatican’s bureaucracy, confront clergy sexual abuse, and combat corruption.
His papacy frequently saw tension with conservative factions who felt alienated by his progressive tone and advocacy for inclusivity, particularly toward the LGBTQ community.
Having appointed nearly 80% of the cardinal electors, Francis has significantly shaped the body that will choose his successor. While this increases the chance of a like-minded leader continuing his vision, it does not ensure it.
A significant feature of his leadership was the global expansion of the College of Cardinals. He elevated church leaders from areas with small Catholic populations or where the faith is rapidly growing, particularly in contrast to the stagnant numbers in Western nations.
Today, European cardinals make up about 39% of the voting group — a decline from 52% in 2013 when Francis ascended. Asia and Oceania now constitute the second-largest bloc with around 20%.
Many of these cardinals are not widely recognized outside their home countries. In the days ahead, they will participate in General Congregations, a series of meetings to discuss the direction of the Church and the qualities they hope to find in the next pontiff.
