Pope Francis lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. He died on April 22, 2025, at age 88. He died of heart failure following a stroke. His death resulted in an unprecedented global response, culminating in a celebration of the life of a leader celebrated for his humility, humanity and compassion, particularly for the world’s outcast communities. His funeral will take place on Saturday, 26 April 2025, in St. Peter’s Square. Get ready for an expected 170 foreign dignitaries and numerous heads of state to arrive to pay their respects.
Pope Francis had requested a simpler farewell, and those wishes will be respected. He is to be buried in a simple wooden coffin and placed in a tomb without a name. This decision is entirely in keeping with his character and philosophy, as evidenced throughout his papacy by example of modesty and service to others. Prior to his election as pope in 2013, he was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. This monumental election resulted in him becoming the first pope from Argentina and the Americas.
Legacy of Humility and Compassion
Pope Francis will be most remembered for his care for those on the periphery, and his love of peace around the world. His leadership was marked by decisive positions on other social issues like migration and peace building initiatives. He infamously blasted the building of walls on our US-Mexico border. He famously said that anyone who builds walls instead of bridges is “not Christian.”
His commitment to peace was notably demonstrated during the ongoing war in Ukraine, where he called for unity and reconciliation following Russia’s invasion. On October 11, 2024, he met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine at the Vatican. This meeting served to emphasize his steadfast dedication to pushing for peace in the midst of this stormy era.
Pope Francis certainly won the hearts of millions during his recent travels. His memorable papacy included an extraordinary visit to the Philippines in 2015, where an outdoor mass in Manila brought millions. It was his extraordinary ability to connect with people from all walks of life that defined much of his papacy.
“We were able to share our ideals of peace, equality, and justice – ideals that the world has always needed, and will always need.” – Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
Funeral Details and Attendees
The funeral for Pope Francis is set to begin at 10 AM CET (08:00 GMT) on April 26, 2025. Our main event will take place in St. Peter’s Square. This place has to be the most important place for the Catholic Church and its members around the globe. The Vatican has made contingency plans for a huge crowd as dignitaries from all corners of the globe converge to pay their last respects to the pontiff.
We’ll have key leaders including but not limited to Rep. But glaring omissions are yet this year US President Joe Biden, as well as former presidents, even as Donald Trump plans to meet with Zelenskyy during this time. The presence of 170 foreign dignitaries highlights the profound impact Pope Francis had on international relations and global humanitarian efforts.
A Call for Reflection
As the world looks set to say goodbye to Pope Francis, his profound legacy in humility and compassion will live on. As far back as 1984, his leadership style reflected a profound inclusivity and a deep understanding of multiple cultures and faiths. In his lifetime, he wasn’t afraid to take on the most critical global challenges. His work inspired millions upon millions of Americans and others to adopt an attitude of service.
Pope Francis’ calls for compassion towards migrants in Italy, due to the country’s low birthrate, reflect his broader vision for a more inclusive society. This way of looking at things is not limited to people. It includes countries working together to realize shared ideals of peace, freedom and justice.
