Key Points
- Over 250,000 mourners paid respects to Pope Francis during three days of public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica.
- The funeral on Saturday, April 26, is attended by more than 200,000 people and over 50 heads of state, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and India’s President Droupadi Murmu.
- Security is at an all-time high with snipers, fighter jets, and a no-fly zone over the Vatican.
- The funeral Mass begins at 10:00 am local time (1:30 pm IST) in St. Peter’s Square, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
- Pope Francis will be the first pontiff in over a century to be buried outside Vatican grounds, at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
- The funeral marks the start of nine days of official Vatican mourning (Novemdiales) and the transition to the election of a new pope.
Vatican City: The world is witnessing an extraordinary outpouring of grief and respect as Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, is laid to rest in a historic funeral at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. The Argentine pontiff, renowned for his humility, compassion, and advocacy for the marginalized, passed away on Monday after complications from double pneumonia and heart failure.
A Sea of Mourners at St. Peter’s
From Wednesday through Friday, an estimated 250,000 people-far surpassing the crowds for Pope Benedict XVI-filed past Pope Francis’ simple wooden coffin in St. Peter’s Basilica, many queuing for hours in silent prayer and reflection. Pilgrims from every continent, clutching rosaries and candles, joined clergy, dignitaries, and the faithful to honor a pope who championed the poor and called for a more open, inclusive Church.
Funeral Ceremony: A Global Gathering
Saturday’s funeral is one of the largest in Vatican history, with more than 200,000 mourners expected in St. Peter’s Square and millions watching worldwide. Over 50 heads of state and government, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian President Droupadi Murmu, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have arrived to pay their last respects. Royalty and religious leaders from across the globe are also in attendance, underscoring Francis’ global impact.
The Mass, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, is attended by 220 cardinals, 750 bishops and priests near the altar, and more than 4,000 priests in the square. The Sistine Chapel Choir provides a solemn musical backdrop as prayers are offered in multiple languages.
Security and Logistics: Vatican on High Alert
With such a massive gathering, Vatican and Italian authorities have implemented extraordinary security measures: a no-fly zone, fighter jets on standby, snipers on rooftops, and tight street controls around the Vatican. The event is being broadcast live globally, with coverage available on major networks and online platforms.
Final Journey and Burial
After the funeral Mass, Pope Francis’ coffin will be carried through St. Peter’s Square in a procession allowing mourners a last glimpse, before being transported to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial-a break from recent tradition, as he will be the first pope in over 120 years interred outside the Vatican.
Legacy and Transition
The funeral marks the beginning of the Novemdiales, nine days of official mourning and Masses for Pope Francis’ soul. Following this period, the College of Cardinals will convene a conclave to elect the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
“He helped a lot of people, he noticed a lot of people that weren’t noticeable before,” said Sofiia Popkova, a 19-year-old pilgrim, capturing the sentiment of many who came to honor the ‘Pope of the Poor’.
Pope Francis’ funeral is a moment of profound global significance, drawing record crowds and world leaders to the Vatican for a final farewell. His legacy as a humble reformer and champion of the marginalized will be remembered as the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning and prepares for a new chapter.
