The Catholic Church is preparing to bid farewell to Pope Francis, whose commitment to simplicity and humility will be reflected in funeral rites that, while toned down by his own design, remain rich in tradition and symbolism.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday following a heart attack and stroke, marking the end of a historic papacy that reshaped the global church with its focus on compassion, social justice, and inclusion.
Where Is the Pope’s Body Now?
Currently, the late pontiff lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, resting in an open wooden coffin placed at the Altar of the Confessio, above the tomb of St. Peter. His decision to forgo the customary triple coffin arrangement (cypress, lead, and oak) reflects his lifelong preference for simplicity.
Thousands of mourners have gathered in St. Peter’s Square, lining up for hours to pay their final respects. His body was transferred from the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse, where he chose to reside during his time as pope, instead of the traditional Apostolic Palace.
When and Where Is the Funeral?
The funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. local time on Saturday (4 a.m. ET), six days after his passing. The ceremony will take place primarily outdoors in St. Peter’s Square, continuing a tradition seen in previous papal funerals.
Following the liturgy, Francis’ coffin will be taken back into the basilica for the final rites, including the eucharist, commendation, and valediction. The sealing of the coffin, overseen by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, will occur at 8 p.m. on Friday.
Simplifying the Ceremony: Honoring a Life of Humility
True to his pastoral approach, Francis requested a streamlined funeral, revising the official papal funeral rites last year to reflect the values he championed. Diego Ravelli, master of apostolic ceremonies, noted that Francis aimed to emphasize the image of a “pastor and disciple of Christ, not a worldly figure of power.”
This intentional simplicity is part of what earned Francis the nickname “the pope of the people.” Throughout his papacy, he consistently modeled humility—from choosing modest accommodations to advocating for the poor and marginalized.
Who Is Attending?
The funeral will draw an international assembly of leaders, with around 170 heads of state and government expected to be present. Notable attendees include:
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Javier Milei, President of Argentina
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Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil
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Emmanuel Macron, President of France
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Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the UK
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Olaf Scholz, outgoing German Chancellor
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Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
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Donald Trump, President of the United States
Tens of thousands of Catholics and well-wishers from around the world are also anticipated. Comparatively, Pope Benedict XVI’s funeral in 2023 drew about 50,000, while Pope John Paul II’s in 2005 saw nearly 300,000 mourners.
One leader notably absent will be Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose attendance is impossible due to an active International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
Security at the Highest Level
With such a high-profile gathering, security measures in Rome will be extensive. Over 2,000 police officers, including sharpshooters and anti-terrorism units, are being deployed. The city will also close its airspace starting midnight Friday, and anti-drone patrols will be in place alongside heavy monitoring of the metro system and public spaces.
The Vatican’s own security forces will coordinate closely with Italian authorities to ensure safety.
Where Will Pope Francis Be Buried?
In line with his personal wishes, Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, outside the Vatican walls. His will specified a simple burial “in the ground, without particular ornamentation,” bearing only the inscription: “Franciscus.”
This choice reflects his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and his desire for a humble resting place.
What Happens Next: The Path to a New Pope
Following the funeral, the Catholic Church will enter conclave, the traditional process of electing a new pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote—135 in total, with 108 of them appointed by Francis himself.
This composition has led many to speculate that the next pope may continue Francis’ legacy of prioritizing social justice, environmental stewardship, and outreach to the marginalized.
Conclave will begin once the cardinals have fully gathered in Rome and could last anywhere from a single day to several weeks, depending on how quickly consensus is reached.
