Some 140,000 people have gathered at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, marking a profound moment of mourning and tribute to the late pontiff. The funeral Mass, held on April 26, 2025, drew an estimated 250,000 mourners inside the square, with about one million more lining the six-kilometer procession route through Rome to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis will be interred.
Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 following a stroke, was widely revered for his humility, advocacy for the poor and marginalized, and efforts to reform the Catholic Church. His funeral reflected his wishes for simplicity, with a plain wooden coffin and a modest ceremony emphasizing his identity as a servant of Christ rather than a worldly leader.
The event attracted an unprecedented assembly of global dignitaries, including over 50 heads of state and reigning monarchs. Notable attendees included former U.S. President Donald Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Prince William, representing the British monarchy.
The funeral Mass was conducted largely in Latin, featuring readings and prayers in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Portuguese, German, and Mandarin, symbolizing Pope Francis's global outreach and connection with Catholics worldwide. The ceremony began with the Latin chant "Eternal rest unto him, O Lord," and concluded with communion and a final commendation.
Security was tightly managed by Italian and Vatican authorities, with a no-fly zone imposed over Rome and extensive police presence to ensure the safety of attendees and dignitaries. The funeral marks the start of nine days of official Vatican mourning before cardinals convene to elect Pope Francis's successor.
Pope Francis will be laid to rest in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, a church he favored in his later years, rather than the traditional burial site beneath St. Peter's Basilica. A group of impoverished individuals will be present at the basilica steps to honor his lifelong commitment to the poor.
This historic funeral not only commemorates the life of the first Latin American pope but also underscores his enduring legacy as a spiritual leader who sought to transform the Church with compassion and simplicity.