A sea of mourners filled St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, whose public vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica began on Wednesday, April 23, and continues through Friday, April 25. The pontiff, who passed away on Monday, April 21, at age 88 from a stroke followed by heart failure, left a legacy defined by reform and humility. The ceremony, guided by traditional rites simplified by Francis himself, has drawn approximately 60,000 people by the second day, according to Vatican estimates. The procession that carried the coffin from the Casa Santa Marta, where the pope resided, to the basilica was marked by hymns, prayers, and profound emotion.
The vigil, open to the public from 6 a.m. Wednesday, Brasília time, saw queues stretching for hours as faithful from around the world gathered to honor the first Latin American pope. St. Peter’s Basilica, a cornerstone of Catholicism, became the heart of the tributes, with the simple wooden coffin chosen by Francis placed before the Altar of the Confession. His decision to streamline funeral rites, eliminating traditions like the triple coffin and catafalque, reflects his vision of a humbler Church closer to its people.
The burial ceremony, set for Saturday, April 26, at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, will be a historic moment, as Francis will be the first pope in over a century to be laid to rest outside the Vatican. The chosen site, home to the revered Maria Salus Populi Romani icon, was a favorite of the pontiff for prayer. As the world follows the funeral rites, global leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, have confirmed their attendance at the funeral, expected to draw thousands to St. Peter’s Square.
- Initial procession: The coffin was carried from Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica in a solemn procession involving cardinals, bishops, and Swiss Guards.
- Early tributes: Before the public vigil, dignitaries such as Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri visited the coffin at Casa Santa Marta.
- Simplified rites: Francis eliminated practices like the catafalque and opted for a wooden coffin with a zinc lining, emphasizing his commitment to simplicity.
Context of Pope Francis’ death
The passing of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known as Pope Francis, stunned the world, though his health had been frail. In early 2025, the pontiff spent 37 days hospitalized for double pneumonia, which severely impacted his respiratory system. Despite returning to the Vatican and appearing publicly on Easter Sunday, April 20, in a wheelchair, his condition rapidly worsened. In the early hours of Monday, April 21, he suffered a stroke followed by irreversible heart failure, passing away at 2:35 a.m., Brasília time, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta.
The official announcement came hours later, delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Catholic Church, who oversaw the rite of death certification. The news reverberated globally, prompting condolences from religious leaders, politicians, and faithful. Francis, who became pope in 2013 following Benedict XVI’s resignation, was the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff, renowned for championing the poor, environmental causes, and Church reforms. His nearly 12-year papacy was marked by humble gestures, such as refusing to live in the Apostolic Palace and choosing Casa Santa Marta as his home.
Funeral rites and their symbolism
Pope Francis’ funeral rites adhere to the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, a liturgical book updated by the pontiff in November 2024 to simplify ceremonies. His decision to forgo traditions like the use of three coffins—cypress, lead, and oak—and the catafalque, a raised platform used in papal funerals, underscores his view of the pope as a pastor, not a ruler. The coffin, made of wood with a zinc lining, was prepared at Casa Santa Marta after the death certification, with the pontiff dressed in a white cassock, red chasuble, pallium, and white mitre, holding a rosary.
At St. Peter’s Basilica, the coffin was placed directly on the floor, without elevation, to emphasize humility. The procession marking the transfer of the body on Wednesday morning featured hymns by the Sistine Chapel Choir and an escort by the Swiss Guard. Cardinal Kevin Farrell led the rite, which included moments of prayer and silence. The ceremony, broadcast live, moved faithful worldwide, with reports of queues lasting up to four hours to enter the basilica.
- Death certification: Conducted at Casa Santa Marta, with Cardinal Farrell calling the pope’s baptismal name three times before formalizing the death.
- Solemn procession: The route passed through Santa Marta Square, the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, and the Arch of the Bells, ending at the basilica’s main entrance.
- Initial tributes: Bishops, nuns, and Vatican officials were among the first to pay respects before the public vigil began.
- Simplified rites: The absence of the catafalque and triple coffin was a personal decision by Francis, formalized in 2024.
Public vigil draws global crowds
The public vigil, starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday, Brasília time, turned St. Peter’s Square into a pilgrimage hub. By Thursday morning, April 24, approximately 48,600 faithful had visited St. Peter’s Basilica, according to the Vatican. The overwhelming turnout forced authorities to extend visiting hours on the first day, with the basilica closing at 8:50 p.m., nearly two hours later than planned. Pilgrims from nations including Brazil, Argentina, and Italy braved lines stretching for kilometers, often under light rain, to honor the pontiff.
St. Peter’s Basilica reopened at 2 a.m. Thursday, Brasília time, and continued to receive a steady stream of visitors. The setup included metal barriers, water distribution, and heightened security, with Italian police monitoring entrances. The presence of nuns, priests, and emotional laypeople defined the atmosphere, with moments of silence and prayer prevailing inside the basilica. A nun, identified as Geneviève Jeanningros, broke protocol by approaching the coffin in a heartfelt farewell, touching those present.
Details of the coffin closure
The coffin closure, scheduled for Friday, April 25, at 3 p.m., Brasília time, will be a deeply symbolic moment in the funeral rites. Presided over by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the ceremony will follow protocols outlined in the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis. The master of liturgical ceremonies, Diego Ravelli, will begin by reading an official act, signed by attending authorities. Clergy will chant Latin prayers interspersed with silence, while Ravelli places a white silk veil over the pope’s face and sprinkles the body with holy water.
Inside the coffin, a pouch containing coins and medals minted during Francis’ pontificate and a tube with the official act, sealed by the Office of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, will be placed. The zinc lid, engraved with a cross, the pontiff’s coat of arms, and a plaque with his name, will be closed and sealed with marks from the camerlengo, the Prefecture of the Papal Household, the Office of Liturgical Celebrations, and the Vatican Chapter. The wooden lid, also bearing the cross and coat of arms, will be closed afterward, marking the end of the public vigil.
- White silk veil: A symbol of respect, it covers the pope’s face before the coffin is sealed.
- Coin pouch: Contains coins and medals from the pontificate, representing Francis’ years of leadership.
- Official seals: Ensure the coffin’s integrity, marked by Vatican institutions.
- Latin prayers: Reinforce liturgical tradition, chanted by the master of ceremonies.
Funeral and burial at Santa Maria Maggiore
The funeral, set for Saturday, April 26, at 5 a.m., Brasília time, will take place in the atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica, with the Mass of Exequies led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals. The ceremony, open to the public, is expected to draw around 200,000 people, including world leaders like Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and Volodymyr Zelensky. The homily, reflecting on Francis’ life and legacy, will be a central moment, following the tradition of addresses by cardinals close to the deceased pontiff.
After the Mass, the coffin will be taken in procession to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial. The route, still under discussion by the Congregation of Cardinals, may be discreet or public, depending on the final decision. At the basilica, Diego Ravelli will lead additional Latin prayers, and the coffin will be sprinkled with holy water before being placed in the tomb. The notary of the Liberian Chapter will draft an official document, signed by authorities, confirming the burial. The tomb, in the Pauline Chapel, will be open for visits and prayers.
Timeline of funeral rites
The funeral rites for Pope Francis follow a strict schedule set by the Vatican to ensure dignity and tradition. Below are the key events:
- April 21: Death of Pope Francis at 2:35 a.m., Brasília time, followed by death certification at Casa Santa Marta.
- April 22: Private tributes at Casa Santa Marta, with visits from figures like the Italian president and Rome’s mayor.
- April 23–25: Public vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Brasília time, with around 60,000 visitors by day two.
- April 25: Coffin closure at 3 p.m., with Latin prayers and placement of coins and documents.
- April 26: Funeral at 5 a.m., followed by procession and burial at Santa Maria Maggiore.
- April 27: Memorial Mass for the pope at St. Peter’s Basilica, at 5:30 a.m., Brasília time.
- April 27–May 4: Official nine-day mourning period, known as Novendiali, with daily Masses.
Legacy of Francis and global impact
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, made history as the first Latin American and Jesuit pope. His papacy, beginning on March 13, 2013, was defined by gestures of closeness to the faithful, such as choosing to live in Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace. Francis championed causes like social justice, environmental protection, and interfaith dialogue, earning admiration and facing resistance within the Church for his progressive stances.
His reforms included restructuring Vatican finances, opening discussions on issues like clerical celibacy and women’s roles in the Church, and promoting synods to listen to the laity. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ became a landmark in environmental advocacy, while his focus on the poor and marginalized reinforced the image of a Church for the vulnerable.
Francis’ death sparked global mourning, with condolences from religious leaders like Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I and political figures like UN Secretary-General António Guterres. In Rome, the presence of pilgrims from different continents reflects the pontiff’s impact, seen as a unifying figure despite controversies. His choice to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore, where he prayed before and after international trips, underscores his devotion to the Virgin Mary and personal connection to the site.
Preparations for the conclave
With the funeral rites concluding, the Catholic Church prepares for the conclave to elect the 267th pope. Vatican rules stipulate that the vote must occur 15 to 20 days after the pontiff’s death, likely between May 6 and 11. The process, held in the Sistine Chapel, will involve around 120 cardinal electors, including Brazilians like Dom Odilo Scherer and Dom Leonardo Steiner. No clear favorite has emerged, though names like Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin are mentioned in speculation.
The conclave, from the Latin cum clave (with key), symbolizes the cardinals’ seclusion during voting. The process may last days, with up to four ballots daily, until a candidate secures two-thirds of the votes. White smoke, signaling a new pope’s election, will be eagerly awaited by faithful worldwide. Meanwhile, the Vatican will observe the Novendiali mourning period, with daily Masses in Francis’ memory.
Tributes continue at St. Peter’s Basilica
The second day of the vigil, Thursday, April 24, saw emotional scenes at St. Peter’s Basilica. Faithful, many clutching rosaries and photos of the pope, formed lines stretching to Via della Conciliazione. Pilgrims from countries like Argentina, Mexico, and the Philippines highlighted the global reach of Francis’ papacy. The Swiss Guard, tasked with securing the coffin, maintained order, while volunteers distributed water to visitors.
The vigil’s organization included measures to accommodate the large crowds, such as increased bus services to the Vatican and giant screens in St. Peter’s Square to broadcast the ceremony. Italian police bolstered security, with bag checks and constant monitoring. Despite the somber mood, pilgrims expressed gratitude for Francis’ legacy, citing his messages of peace and inclusion.
- Extended queues: Wait times to enter the basilica reached four hours, with pilgrims braving rain and cold.
- Global presence: Pilgrims from over 50 countries, including Latin America and Asia, attended the vigil.
- Heightened security: Italian police deployed hundreds of officers to maintain order in St. Peter’s Square.
- Live broadcasts: The ceremony was streamed on screens, allowing those outside the basilica to follow the rites.
Symbolism of Santa Maria Maggiore
The choice of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial reflects Francis’ spirituality. Built in the 5th century, the basilica is one of Rome’s four major temples and houses the Maria Salus Populi Romani icon, to which the pope was deeply devoted. Francis visited the site before and after international trips, praying before the Marian icon. Opting to be buried there, rather than in the Vatican Grottoes, where about 90 popes rest, breaks centuries of tradition and reinforces his identity as a pontiff who valued simplicity and closeness to the faithful.
The tomb, in the Pauline Chapel, will become a pilgrimage site, open for prayers. The burial ceremony on Saturday will feature the Salve Regina chanted in Latin and the coffin’s final placement, sprinkled with holy water. The official document, drafted by the notary of the Liberian Chapter, will confirm the rite, signed by authorities like Cardinal Kevin Farrell and Diego Ravelli.
Impact on the Catholic Church and Brazil
In Brazil, Francis’ death stirred deep emotion, particularly among Catholic communities and social movements that saw him as a defender of the poor and the environment. The National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB) issued a statement of condolence, praising the pontiff’s commitment to social justice and evangelization. Indigenous and riverside communities, highlighted during the 2019 Amazon Synod, held Masses in his memory.
The attendance of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the funeral underscores Francis’ significance to Brazil. During his papacy, the pope visited the country in 2013 for World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, drawing millions of young people. His call for a Church “going forth” to the peripheries resonated in Brazilian social and pastoral projects, amid challenges like the rise of evangelical churches and political polarization.
Outlook for the Church’s future
Francis’ death marks a turning point for the Catholic Church, with its 1.4 billion faithful. The conclave, set to choose the next pope, will prompt reflection on the institution’s future, grappling with issues like secularization, declining priestly vocations, and the need for interfaith dialogue. Francis’ emphasis on synodality and listening to the laity is likely to shape cardinal discussions.
As the Vatican prepares for the funeral and conclave, pilgrims continue to flock to Rome, many carrying flags and messages of gratitude. The image of the simple coffin, adorned only with a cross and the pontiff’s coat of arms, encapsulates Francis’ legacy: a leader who sought to bring the Church closer to the humble, even amid challenges and controversies.
- Conclave in May: Voting for the new pope is expected to start between May 6 and 11, with around 120 cardinal electors.
- Reform legacy: Francis advanced financial and pastoral changes but faced resistance from conservative factions.
- Global impact: Leaders from various faiths and nations recognized Francis’ contributions to peace and dialogue.
- Marian devotion: The choice of Santa Maria Maggiore reflects the pope’s spirituality, centered on the Virgin Mary.
