Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known as Pope Francis, passed away at 88 on April 21, 2025, leaving a legacy of simplicity and reform in the Catholic Church. The pontiff, who succumbed to a stroke and heart failure, died in his apartment at the Santa Marta residence in the Vatican after 38 days of hospitalization due to bilateral pneumonia. The first Latin American and Jesuit pope, Francis led the Church for 12 years, marked by humble gestures and efforts to modernize the institution. His wish for a simple burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome reflects the unassuming lifestyle he embraced since his election in 2013. This text details the plans for his funeral, the impact of his death, and the legacy he left behind.
Francis’ choice of a burial outside St. Peter’s Basilica, the traditional site for popes, breaks a practice spanning over a century. The last time a pontiff was buried outside the Vatican was in 1903, with Pope Leo XIII. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s four papal basilicas, held special significance for Francis, who often visited the icon of the Virgin Mary Salus Populi Romani before and after international trips. The funeral, planned to follow traditional rites with adaptations honoring his desire for simplicity, will begin in the hours following his death, with ceremonies including masses and public tributes.
Francis’ death occurred at 2:35 a.m. Brasília time, 7:35 a.m. local time, during the Easter holiday, a period of great significance for Catholics. The bell of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled to announce the passing, as tourists and pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square expressed shock and sorrow. The Vatican issued a statement highlighting Francis’ dedication to Gospel values, particularly in supporting the poor and marginalized, and commended his soul to divine mercy. The news reverberated globally, with religious and political leaders mourning the loss of a leader who championed dialogue and tolerance.
Papal funeral rites
Francis’ funeral rituals will follow Church traditions, but with a touch of simplicity:
- Requiem Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, presided over by Cardinal Baldo Reina.
- Ceremony to confirm death and place the body in the coffin, held in the pope’s private chapel.
- Public homage at St. Peter’s Basilica, starting April 23, for faithful to pay their respects.
- Burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, as per the pontiff’s wishes.
Francis’ legacy of simplicity
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Francis was the first Latin American and Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church. The son of Italian immigrants, he chose a religious life after training as a chemist and teaching literature. Elected on March 13, 2013, following Benedict XVI’s resignation, Francis assumed the papacy during a crisis for the Church, marked by pedophilia scandals and declining popularity. His choice of the name Francis, in homage to St. Francis of Assisi, patron of the poor, signaled his commitment to humility and social justice from the outset.
Throughout his papacy, Francis prioritized simple gestures, such as residing in the modest Santa Marta House instead of the papal apartments and using a standard car rather than luxurious vehicles. He also forwent traditional ornaments, like red shoes and embroidered capes, opting for plainer attire. These choices reflected his vision of a Church closer to the faithful and less tied to formalities. His decision to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore reinforces this stance, breaking from the tradition of lavish burials at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The impact of his simplicity resonated globally. Leaders of various faiths and even non-believers praised his openness to interfaith dialogue and his advocacy for causes like environmental protection and poverty alleviation. However, his approach faced resistance from conservative Church factions, who criticized his reforms as either insufficient or overly progressive. Despite this, Francis maintained strong support among the faithful, particularly in Latin America, where his Argentine roots made him a symbol of representation.
Challenges faced during his papacy
Francis took on the papacy during a turbulent period. Clergy sexual abuse scandals shook the Church’s credibility, demanding firm action. He established commissions to investigate pedophilia cases and implemented transparency measures, though critics noted progress was slow. Additionally, he tackled modern issues like LGBTQIA+ rights and gender equality, which divided Catholic opinion. Francis allowed blessings for same-sex couples and appointed women to senior Vatican roles, but upheld the ban on female priests, a decision that disappointed feminist activists.
Francis’ political speeches also defined his papacy. He criticized leaders like Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu for armed conflicts and urged the European Union to act on the refugee crisis that began in 2015. During the Covid-19 pandemic, his image praying alone in St. Peter’s Square in 2020 became a symbol of hope amid global crisis. These stances reinforced his image as an engaged leader but drew criticism from those who preferred a more neutral pope on geopolitical matters.
Reforms in the Catholic Church
Reforming the Roman Curia, the Vatican’s governing body, was a priority for Francis. He advanced changes to the Holy See’s finances, closing suspicious accounts in the Vatican bank, long linked to money laundering allegations. He also streamlined administrative processes and increased transparency to restore the faithful’s trust. These reforms, initiated by Benedict XVI, gained momentum under Francis, who also encouraged a more welcoming Church, described by him as a “field hospital” for those in need.
Another hallmark of his papacy was an emphasis on mercy. Francis sought to bring the Church closer to Catholics in irregular situations, such as remarried divorcees, and promoted a less rigid approach to moral issues. He was the first pope to welcome a transgender person to the Vatican and argued that homosexuals should not be judged, though he upheld traditional doctrine against same-sex marriage. These actions sparked debate, with progressives praising his openness and conservatives accusing him of diluting Catholic principles.
Funeral rites timeline
The events following Francis’ death follow a set schedule:
- April 21: Requiem Mass at St. John Lateran and death confirmation rite.
- April 23: Body exposition begins at St. Peter’s Basilica for public tributes.
- Date to be confirmed: Burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
- Post-funeral period: Preparations for the conclave to elect the new pope.
Global impact of Francis’ death
Francis’ death sparked worldwide mourning. Leaders like Argentina’s president, the pope’s homeland, and the UN secretary-general expressed condolences, highlighting his advocacy for peace and human rights. On social media, the faithful shared memories of his gestures, such as washing prisoners’ feet and embracing people with disabilities. St. Peter’s Square, typically vibrant during Easter, became a place of mourning, with pilgrims praying and leaving flowers in tribute to the pontiff.
In Brazil, where the Catholic Church holds significant influence, bishops and the faithful held memorial masses for Francis. His 2013 visit to the country for World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro was recalled as a moment of connection with young people. Francis’ simplicity, such as riding in an open car and visiting impoverished communities, marked his visit and boosted his popularity among Brazilians.
The choice of a simple burial also resonated widely. Vatican experts noted that the decision reflects Francis’ consistency with his motto “Miserando atque eligendo” (He looked with mercy and chose him). The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, less grandiose than St. Peter’s, symbolizes his vision of a humbler Church focused on the marginalized. Thousands of faithful are expected to attend the funeral ceremonies, particularly the body exposition, which will allow public farewells.
Bergoglio’s journey before the papacy
Before becoming pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio followed a long path in the Church. Trained as a chemical technician, he joined the Society of Jesus in 1958, becoming a Jesuit. He studied humanities in Chile and theology in Argentina, being ordained a priest in 1969. From 1973 to 1979, he led Argentina’s Jesuit congregation, navigating challenges during the country’s military dictatorship. His discreet and dialogic approach distinguished him as a leader, though he faced criticism for alleged inaction amid regime abuses, claims he consistently denied.
In 1992, Bergoglio became an auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires, rising to archbishop in 1997 and cardinal in 2001, appointed by John Paul II. As archbishop, he was known for visiting slums, cooking his own meals, and using public transport, gestures that foreshadowed his papal style. His 2013 election, at age 76, surprised many, as he was not considered a frontrunner in the conclave. Yet, his reputation as a moderate and reformer led him to the throne of Peter.
Challenges for the next pope
Francis’ death marks the start of a transition period for the Catholic Church, known as “sede vacante.” The camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will oversee temporary Vatican administration until the new pope’s election. The conclave, gathering cardinals worldwide, must occur within 20 days, per Church rules. The successor’s choice will be shaped by Francis’ legacy, particularly his focus on inclusion and social justice.
The next pope will face complex issues, such as continuing financial reforms, fostering interfaith dialogue, and addressing topics like climate change and inequality. Polarization between progressives and conservatives in the College of Cardinals will also pose a challenge, with debates over how far the Church should embrace doctrinal changes. Francis’ influence, having appointed over 60% of voting cardinals, may favor a leader aligned with his vision.
Francis’ fragile health
In recent years, Francis’ health raised concerns. He faced respiratory issues, including bronchitis and pneumonia, and hip pain that required a wheelchair. In February 2025, he was hospitalized at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital to treat a polymicrobial infection. Despite being discharged on March 23, his condition worsened with the stroke and heart failure that led to his death. Even frail, he continued leading ceremonies, like the Easter Mass, showing resilience.
Francis’ fragility contrasted with his determination to advance reforms. He dismissed speculation about resignation, stating he would “press on” as long as possible. His death, though anticipated due to his health, caught many by surprise, especially during Easter, a time of renewal for Catholics. The image of Francis waving to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square hours before his death remains a symbol of his dedication to the end.
Symbolism of the simple burial
Francis’ decision for a burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore carries deep symbolism. Located outside Vatican territory, the basilica is a popular pilgrimage site but less tied to the papacy’s grandeur. The choice reflects Francis’ vision of a Church prioritizing spirituality over earthly power. During his papacy, he visited the basilica over 100 times, often for reflection before apostolic trips.
Francis’ funeral will be a milestone in the Church’s recent history. The exposition of his body at St. Peter’s Basilica will allow millions, including faithful worldwide, to pay their respects. The burial ceremony, yet to be dated, will be attended by religious and political leaders but will maintain the simplicity requested by the pope. Breaking from the tradition of Vatican burials may inspire future pontiffs to adopt similar approaches.
