Over 20,000 faithful gathered on Wednesday morning (23) in St. Peter’s Square, at the heart of the Vatican, to pay homage to Pope Francis, whose wake was opened to the public in St. Peter’s Basilica. The ceremony, marked by liturgical chants and prayers, began at 11 a.m. (local time) and will continue until Friday (25), allowing thousands to bid farewell to the Catholic leader who left a lasting mark on the Church with his message of simplicity and closeness to the poor. The coffin, placed in front of the Altar of the Confession, was welcomed with the Litany of the Saints chanted in Latin, while Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrel led a brief liturgy featuring passages from the Gospel of John.
The death of Francis, announced on Tuesday (22), deeply moved the Catholic world and sparked a wave of tributes from religious leaders, politicians, and faithful. Images released by Vatican Media show the pontiff’s body at the Santa Marta residence, where the rite of death declaration was performed. The opening of the wake in St. Peter’s Basilica reflects the Catholic Church’s tradition of allowing the faithful to say goodbye to their spiritual leaders, a moment blending solemnity and emotion.
The Vatican has organized a detailed schedule for the coming days, with specific visiting hours. On Wednesday, the basilica remains open until midnight. On Thursday (24), access will be available from 7 a.m. to midnight, and on Friday (25), from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The expectation is that tens of thousands of people from around the world will visit to pay their final respects.
- Visiting hours:
- Wednesday (23): 11 a.m. to midnight
- Thursday (24): 7 a.m. to midnight
- Friday (25): 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A pope who shaped history
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, became pope in 2013 and quickly emerged as an iconic figure for his pastoral approach and messages of inclusion. Over his 12 years as leader of the Catholic Church, he championed causes such as social justice, environmental protection, and interfaith dialogue. His encyclical Laudato Si’, published in 2015, gained widespread recognition for addressing the climate crisis and human responsibility for the planet. Additionally, his visits to marginalized communities and meetings with refugees reinforced his image as a “pope of the people.”
Francis’ impact extended beyond Catholicism. As the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, he brought a unique perspective to the Vatican. His actions, such as washing the feet of prisoners and visiting conflict zones, inspired millions but also drew criticism from conservative sectors within the Church, who questioned his stances on issues like divorce and the inclusion of minorities.
The wake ceremony reflects the universality of his legacy. Faithful of all ages and nationalities, many carrying rosaries and photos of the pontiff, formed long lines in St. Peter’s Square. Among them were personal stories of how Francis touched their lives, whether through his words in homilies or simple gestures, like embracing the sick during general audiences.
Organization of the wake and funeral
The logistics for Francis’ wake and funeral mobilized hundreds of people, including members of the Swiss Guard, clergy, and Vatican civil authorities. St. Peter’s Basilica, capable of accommodating thousands of visitors, was prepared to ensure safety and smooth operations during the three days of public visitation. Screens were set up in St. Peter’s Square to broadcast the ceremony for those unable to enter the basilica, and Italian police reinforced security in the area.
The funeral, scheduled for Saturday (26) at 10 a.m., will take place in St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals. The Mass of Exequies, marking the start of the nine days of mourning known as Novendiali, will follow the Church’s traditional rites. After the celebration, the coffin will be taken to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where Francis will be buried, fulfilling his expressed wish.
The choice of Santa Maria Maggiore holds special significance. Francis was known for his devotion to the Virgin Mary and often visited the basilica to pray before and after international trips. The site, one of Rome’s oldest and most venerated, houses the icon of Salus Populi Romani, which the pope considered a spiritual reference.
- Final rites:
- Ultima Commendatio: solemn prayer entrusting the pontiff’s soul to God
- Valedictio: final farewell, marking the conclusion of the exequies
Francis’ legacy in numbers
Francis left profound marks on the Church and the world. During his pontificate, he made 44 international trips, visiting over 60 countries, including conflict zones like Iraq and South Sudan. He published three encyclicals and 47 apostolic exhortations, addressing topics from family to human fraternity. Additionally, he canonized 911 saints, including figures like Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and appointed 142 cardinals, shaping the future of the College of Cardinals.
His speeches often emphasized the need for a more missionary and less bureaucratic Church. In 2019, during the Synod on the Amazon, he defended the protection of indigenous peoples and the preservation of the rainforest, sparking global debates about the Church’s role in the environmental crisis. His words on welcoming migrants, such as calling the Mediterranean a “cemetery” in 2021, also resonated in international forums.
The impact of his actions can be measured in impressive numbers. According to the Vatican, Francis’ general audiences in St. Peter’s Square drew over 10 million people throughout his pontificate. His messages on social media, particularly on X, reached billions of views, establishing him as one of the most influential religious leaders of the digital era.
Schedule of funeral events
The Vatican released a detailed calendar for the rituals following Francis’ death, adhering to Catholic Church traditions. Each step reflects centuries of liturgical practices, combining solemnity and symbolism.
- Schedule of rites:
- April 23–25: public wake in St. Peter’s Basilica
- April 26: Mass of Exequies at 10 a.m., followed by transfer to Santa Maria Maggiore
- April 27–May 4: Novendiali, nine days of prayers for the pope
Succession and the conclave
Francis’ death marks the beginning of a transition period for the Catholic Church, with preparations for the conclave to elect the next pope. The College of Cardinals, comprising 229 members, of whom about 120 are eligible to vote (cardinals under 80), will meet in the coming days to organize the process. The conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel, is a secretive and traditional event where cardinals seek to discern Peter’s successor.
Although the Vatican has not announced an exact date, the conclave is expected to begin within 15 to 20 days after the funeral, as stipulated by canon law. During this period, Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrel will temporarily oversee the Vatican’s administration, ensuring the continuity of the Holy See’s functions.
The choice of the next pope will be influenced by Francis’ legacy. During his pontificate, he appointed cardinals from peripheral regions, such as Mongolia and Haiti, diversifying the College of Cardinals. This decision could lead to a pope with a more global profile, aligned with Francis’ priorities, such as attention to the poor and the fight against inequalities.
Global reactions to Francis’ death
The news of Francis’ death caused widespread mourning worldwide. Political leaders sent condolences, highlighting the pope’s role as a defender of peace and social justice. In Rome, thousands gathered spontaneously in St. Peter’s Square on Tuesday night (22), praying the rosary and singing hymns in memory of the pontiff.
In Latin America, Francis’ native region, the emotion was particularly intense. In Argentina, the government declared three days of national mourning, and masses in honor of the pope filled cathedrals in Buenos Aires. In Brazil, the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB) called for celebrations in all dioceses, while faithful organized trips to the Vatican.
International organizations also recognized Francis’ impact. The UN highlighted his contributions to interfaith dialogue and the promotion of Sustainable Development Goals, while leaders of other religions, such as the imam of Al-Azhar in Egypt, praised his pursuit of fraternity between Christians and Muslims.
Symbolism of the funeral rites
The rituals surrounding a pope’s death are rich in symbolism and history. The Litany of the Saints, chanted during the wake, is a traditional invocation seeking the intercession of saints for the pontiff’s soul. The Mass of Exequies on Saturday includes biblical readings emphasizing resurrection and eternal life, reinforcing Christian hope.
The Ultima Commendatio, performed at the end of the funeral, is a moment of spiritual entrustment, while the Valedictio marks the community’s farewell. These rites, dating back to early Christianity, are conducted with liturgical precision, reflecting the Church’s continuity despite the loss of its leader.
The choice of burial in Santa Maria Maggiore, rather than the Vatican Grottoes where most popes are interred, underscores Francis’ identity. He opted for a site representing his Marian spirituality and connection to Rome, the city he adopted as home since 2013.
A collective farewell
As the wake continues, St. Peter’s Basilica becomes a space of communion and memory. Faithful from different continents share stories of Francis’ impact on their lives, from his messages of hope to his critiques of global inequalities. For many, the opportunity to be present in the Vatican is a way to express gratitude for a pontificate that sought to bring the Church closer to the peripheries.
The line to enter the basilica, stretching hundreds of meters, includes young people, the elderly, families, and religious. Volunteers distribute water and rosaries, while priests offer blessings to those present. The atmosphere, though one of mourning, is permeated by a sense of gratitude and unity, reflecting the spirit Francis always championed.
Saturday’s funeral will be broadcast live to millions worldwide, with translations in multiple languages. For those unable to attend, parishes and dioceses are organizing simultaneous masses, ensuring that Francis’ farewell is a global moment of prayer and reflection.
