The Vatican is getting ready to mark the unique legacy of Pope Francis with a deeply symbolic funeral service on Saturday. The actual ceremony will start at 10 a.m. local time, or 4 a.m. ET. It would be fitting for it to happen just six days after his passing. The papal liturgy will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. He will lead the faithful in their final farewell to a pontiff who sought to make the papacy more humble and accessible.
During this time of grief, world leaders will be flanking one another in St. Peter’s Square. In fact, tens of thousands of pilgrims are already making plans to join them to pay their respects. The funeral service will reflect Pope Francis’ call for a simpler, more pastoral and accessible approach. This is a natural extension of the new liturgical book he put out last year. This restored service will be a fitting witness to his dream for the Church—a faith rooted in justice not power.
Details of the Funeral Ceremony
The funeral liturgy will take place in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, where Pope Francis’ coffin will be carried into the square. Today’s ceremony will bring to completion his stated desire. It intends to summon the irreplaceable and undeniable spirit of a servant pastor and disciple of Christ—counters worldly power and prestige. As he himself put it most beautifully, he wanted to “dumb it down and westernize it.” The ceremony was to be an expression of this vision made real.
After this funeral, military and police authorities will accompany the body of Pope Francis back to the Vatican, where he will be entombed. It will rest in an open coffin for three days, allowing mourners an opportunity to view the deceased. His mortal remains will eventually be interred in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, as he specified in his will, stating, “For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest – awaiting the day of the Resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.”
The previous papal funeral for Pope Benedict XVI took place under similar conditions, taking place only six days after his death. This continuity is indicative of the long-standing traditions and practices in the Catholic Church.
The Role of the College of Cardinals
In the wake of Pope Francis’ passing, the College of Cardinals faces the critical task of appointing a new pope in the coming weeks. Only cardinals older than six months shy of their 80th birthday are eligible to participate in this hottest of hot takes. Most significantly, Pope Francis appointed 108 of the 135 cardinals who will be seated in the conclave that elects a successor.
And with that funeral over, the octave would conclude with an even bigger conclave. The cardinals will gather in conclave to decide who will lead the Catholic Church into its next chapter. This important transition period will determine the future direction of our Church for years to come. It’s very important for any cardinals to consider both spiritual and pastoral strengths in their deliberations.
The Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis’s legacy runs deep in his dedication to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship. His papacy placed great value on transparency, accessibility and reform within the Church. He wanted to make a profound personal connection to faithful people everywhere around the world.
It is up to us in the Catholic community to continue to grapple with his teachings and contributions. Millions will rejoice at his dream of a Church more welcoming, simple and humble. Rest assured that his message, through his life and especially through his actions, will continue to inspire generations long after he is gone.
