Today, the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. His funeral at St. Peter’s Square reflects his lifelong commitment to humility and inclusivity. Attended by over 200,000 mourners — including global leaders and marginalized individuals — the ceremony honors his legacy of compassion and service.
In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis will be interred at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, at his wishes.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presides over the Mass, which is being broadcast worldwide. Pope Francis’ funeral not only marks the conclusion of his papacy but also sets the stage for the upcoming conclave to elect his successor.
Here are six key events from today’s historic funeral:
- Funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square: The funeral Mass begins at 10:00 AM local time in St. Peter’s Square, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, with hundreds of cardinals, bishops, and priests participating alongside a vast crowd of mourners.
- Attendance by World Leaders and Dignitaries: Over 50 heads of state, royalty, and global dignitaries- including former U.S. President Donald Trump, Argentine President Milei, and the Prince of Wales- are attending, reflecting Pope Francis’s worldwide influence.
- Multilingual Prayers and Readings: The ceremony features prayers and readings in multiple languages-including, for the first time, Mandarin-underscoring Francis’s efforts to connect with Catholics globally.
- Simpler, More Inclusive Rituals: In line with Francis’s wishes, the funeral is stripped of some traditional pageantry, focusing on humility and inclusion, with the presence of the poor and marginalized highlighted at the event.
- Final Commendation and Farewell: The Mass concludes with the Rite of Final Commendation and Farewell, entrusting Francis’s soul to God, followed by the beginning of the nine-day mourning period (Novemdiales).
- Burial at Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore: Unlike most predecessors, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, not within the Vatican, marking a significant break with tradition.
