Pope Francis’s funeral will be on Saturday, April 26. Regardless of faith tradition, this event is a tremendous moment for the Catholic Church and the world. The ceremony, if done with Popes present as it often is, would take place in St. Peter’s Square assuming good weather conditions. The funeral liturgy will be presided by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. It kicks off at 10 AM local time and is set to last around two-and-a-half hours.
The extraordinary form of the Mass will be celebrated with prayers offered in both Latin and Italian—honoring the traditions of the Catholic Church. An estimated hundred thousand mourners will fill the square. To thousands of Massachusetts residents, they will pay tribute to the pontiff who was such a spiritual leader for so many millions worldwide. In break with papal custom, Pope Francis asked for a simpler burial arrangement, seeking an unadorned tribute.
A Historic Burial Request
Pope Francis reportedly wishes to be buried at Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major. As such, this decision has now made him the first pontiff in more than a century to select a final resting place apart from one in the Vatican. The last pope buried at this site was Clement IX in 1669. This choice is a testament to Pope Francis’s dedication to simplicity and humility, which he exhibited for every day of his papacy.
“For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest — awaiting the day of Resurrection — in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major,” – Pope Francis
True to this vision, in preparation for his burial, Pope Francis’s body will be interred in a simple wooden coffin, lined with zinc. This decision marks a historic shift. It departs from the elaborate custom of crafting a set of three coffins of cypress wood, lead and oak. The pontiff’s request for a simple burial is deeply in keeping with his idea—expressed often—that his tomb should radiate humility.
“The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus.” – Pope Francis
Considerations of simplicity go far beyond just the burial. Archbishop Diego Ravelli remarked on Pope Francis’s approach to leadership, stating that he embodied “that of a shepherd and disciple of Christ, and not of a powerful man of this world.” This understanding colored his time as pope, and it is still influencing the way he will be remembered.
Attendance and Participation
The funeral service will see participation from a wide array of attendees, including all 252 Catholic cardinals, who have been formally invited. Unsurprisingly, only those under the age of 80 will take part in electing the next pope. They will be indispensable in the forthcoming conclave. This meeting will be especially significant. It will occur immediately after the funeral, as cardinals meet to elect a new successor.
Tens of thousands of farewell mourners have streamed by, evidence of the seismic shakeup Pope Francis unleashed within the Catholic Church. His impact stretched more even than that, cutting deeply into society. His passionate, prophetic leadership changed the lives of countless individuals, and his legacy will inform and inspire conversations about faith and civic engagement for decades to come.
ABC News, in partnership with the National Park Service, will broadcast the funeral ceremony live on Saturday. This will allow attendees around the world to participate in this critical and historic moment too.
Transition to Burial
After the funeral service, Pope Francis’s body will be taken to St. Mary Major for burial. This change represents a major physical shift within the Catholic Church. It’s an indication of a broader shift as the Church continues to say farewell to a pioneer who unabashedly defied norms and preached the power of inclusivity and compassion.
As we get ready for this momentous occasion, everyone is looking back at what Pope Francis has already given us. His activism has inspired interfaith and intercultural dialogue. His commitment to addressing social issues such as poverty and climate change has left an indelible mark on global discussions.
