Tens of thousands of mourners gathered under clear spring skies at St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the beloved pontiff whose humble leadership and message of inclusiveness reshaped the Catholic Church over his 12-year papacy.
The funeral Mass, attended by an estimated 200,000 people, including dozens of world leaders, began at 10 a.m. local time in bright sunshine. White-gloved pallbearers solemnly carried Francis’ simple wooden coffin into the square as bells tolled and applause rippled across the vast crowd. Many mourners had camped overnight for the chance to attend.
“We have been waiting all night,” said Maria Fierro of Spain, her voice trembling. “Accompanying Francis in his last moments is very emotional.”
“He was a living saint, very humble and simple,” added Sister James Mary, a Franciscan nun who had stayed awake in prayer.
A Final Testament of Simplicity
True to the values he lived by, Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke, had prearranged a funeral and burial that broke with centuries of papal tradition. His coffin, crafted from simple wood and lined with zinc, eschewed the customary triple caskets of cypress, lead, and elm historically used for popes.
Unlike his immediate predecessors buried within the Grotto of St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis chose to be interred at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. The burial site, located between the Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani and the Sforza Chapel, holds deep personal significance: Francis had a lifelong devotion to Mary, Mother of God, often praying there before and after international trips.
His tomb bears only the inscription “Franciscus,” in keeping with his request for a simple burial without ornamentation.
A Funeral Without Grandeur — Yet of Global Magnitude
Presiding over the funeral Mass was Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, the dean of the College of Cardinals, who led a congregation of patriarchs, bishops, and priests from across the world.
The Swiss Guard, the Vatican’s elite corps of ceremonial and protective soldiers, stood vigilant nearby in their colorful uniforms—a reminder of their centuries-old tradition of guarding the pontiff.
The event drew a powerful gathering of global figures, including U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, former President Donald Trump and his wife Melania, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin was notably absent, amid his ongoing international isolation following the invasion of Ukraine.
Despite past tensions—Francis had sharply criticized Trump’s immigration policies—the former president and First Lady paid their respects before the service, visiting the sealed coffin lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Why Pope Francis’ Funeral Was Different
Francis personally reformed the rites for papal funerals in 2024, aiming to modernize the rituals and reflect the changing face of the Catholic Church. His funeral lasted approximately 90 minutes—less than half the length of St. John Paul II’s in 2005.
Among the most visible breaks from tradition:
- A simple, open-air Mass primarily outdoors rather than a lengthy ceremony within the Basilica.
- The omission of elaborate papal regalia and the absence of complex funeral processions.
- A casket shaped like a human body symbolizes the frailty and humility of life.
“Francis made the Church accessible to everyone,” said Rachel McKay, a mourner from Britain. “He’s like a member of the family—someone very close to our hearts.”
What Happens Next: The Search for a New Pope
With Francis’ passing, the process to elect a new pope begins. According to Vatican protocol, a conclave of eligible cardinals—those under 80 years of age—must gather between 15 and 20 days after a pope’s death. Thus, the conclave is expected to commence no earlier than May 6.
As of this week, there are 252 cardinals worldwide, 135 of whom are eligible to vote. During the conclave, cardinals will hold multiple voting rounds until a consensus is reached.
Speculation has already begun about potential successors, with candidates from Canada and the Philippines emerging as strong possibilities. Francis himself was a trailblazer, becoming the first non-European pope in over 1,300 years.
Why Pope Francis’ Legacy Matters
Pope Francis leaves behind a transformative legacy that championed mercy over judgment, simplicity over grandeur, and inclusion over division.
Throughout his papacy, Francis consistently emphasized care for the poor, the environment, and the marginalized, reshaping the Church’s role in an increasingly complex global society.
“He showed us that leadership is not about power or prestige,” Alessandra Caccamo of Rome reflected. “It’s about service. It’s about humility. I’m going to miss him so much.”
As the world turns its attention to the Vatican in the coming weeks, Francis’ imprint on the Church—and on millions of hearts—remains indelible.
