Farewell to Pope Francis: A Historic Funeral

The Death of the Pope

Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at 7:35, in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae at the Vatican at the age of 88. His death was caused by a ischemic stroke, which led to a rapid decline in his health condition. Cardinal Chamberlain Kevin Joseph Farrell announced his death at the 9:47, with a message broadcast by Vatican Media.

His death shook the whole world, prompting a wave of grief and remembrance for his pontificate, which was distinguished by humility, interfaith dialogue and commitment to the poor and marginalized.

Funerals

Pope Francis' funeral was held on the April 26, 2025, to the 10:00, in St. Peter's Square, in the presence of about 400,000 people, including over 150,000 believers along the route of the funeral procession that passed through the streets of Rome to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where the pope was buried.

The ceremony was presided over by the Cardinal John Baptist Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and was attended by numerous heads of state, sovereigns and international delegations. Among those present were the president of the United States Joe Biden, the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.

During the ceremony, prayers were recited in several languages, including French, Arabic, Portuguese, Polish, German and Mandarin, testifying to the universality of Pope Francis' message.

Pope Francis had requested a simple and sober ceremony. His body was displayed in a wooden coffin lined with zinc, without the use of a catafalque or papal staff, in accordance with his wishes. After Mass, the funeral procession passed through the streets of Rome, greeted by long applause from the faithful, and reached the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

The Will and Burial

According to Pope Francis' testamentary provisions, his burial took place in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in an area reserved for popes, but in a simple tomb, without monuments or inscriptions, as a sign of his humility.

The Period of Mourning and the Conclave

After the funeral, the period of Novendiali, nine days of prayer and reflection in memory of the Pope. The May 5, 2025 has been set to begin the Conclave For the election of the new pontiff.

A Pope of Peace and Mercy

Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pontiff and the first from Latin America. During his pontificate, he has promoted interreligious dialogue, concern for the poor and care for the environment. He was also a pioneer in strengthening ecumenical ties with other Christian denominations and promoting interreligious dialogue with other faiths. His concern for young people, migrants and the preservation of the Earth has profoundly marked his pontificate. His message of peace and fraternity has touched millions of people around the world.