Final Farewell for a Historic Pontiff
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica beginning Wednesday, with his funeral set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. The Mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
Global Leaders to Attend
World leaders are expected at the funeral, including U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife.
A Peaceful Passing After Final Public Blessing
The 88-year-old pope died Monday following a stroke that led to heart failure. Just one day before, he gave a final Easter blessing from his popemobile in St. Peter’s Square—a symbolic closing chapter to his 12-year papacy.
Public Viewing Schedule
The Vatican announced visiting hours for the faithful wishing to view Pope Francis’ body:
- Wednesday, April 23: 11:00 a.m. – Midnight
- Thursday, April 24: 7:00 a.m. – Midnight
- Friday, April 25: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
His body, dressed in red vestments and a bishop’s miter, lies in a simple wooden coffin, facing the pews with a Paschal candle nearby—reflecting the pope’s humility.
A Legacy Rooted in Compassion
Francis is remembered for championing the poor, migrants, and the environment. His focus on reforming the Church and uplifting women’s roles left a lasting impact. He chose to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, beneath the beloved Marian icon Salus Populi Romani, rather than the traditional papal grotto beneath St. Peter’s.
“He wanted to be buried under the shadow of a woman, in this case Maria,” said Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, highlighting Francis’ commitment to honoring women in the Church.
Global Mourning and Tributes
Condolences poured in worldwide. Flags flew at half-staff, church bells tolled, and soccer games paused in Argentina and Italy. In East Timor, where Francis once celebrated Mass for nearly half the population, President José Ramos-Horta called him “a brave man who dared to speak truth to power.”
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu praised his environmental advocacy and call for global justice, despite belonging to a different faith.
The Road to the Next Pope
With Pope Francis’ passing, the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning known as the novendiali. The conclave to elect his successor must begin between May 5 and May 10. Cardinals will cast secret ballots in the Sistine Chapel, with white smoke signaling the election of a new pope.
Keep up with more updates on Pope Francis’s passing with us on Que Onda Magazine.