Pope's funeral service scheduled for this coming Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
Pope Francis' Farewell: Gathering the World in Mourning
After a hush-hush meeting on April 22, 2025, the cardinals convened to plan the funeral for Pope Francis, who had succumbed to a stroke the day prior at the age of 88. The funeral service, scheduled for 10:00 AM French time on Saturday at St. Peter's Square, will be a spectacle attended by a multitude of foreign dignitaries, a global show of respect for the spiritual guide of over 1.4 billion Catholics.
The first to announce their attendance was none other than US President Donald Trump, followed by French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and several other heads of state from across the globe will also grace the occasion. In a surprising turn of events, Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to sit this one out.
Bidding Farewell to a Pope from Afar
Upon his burial at St. Peter's Square, the pope's remains will be transferred to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in central Rome, in accordance with his wishes, as stated in a communiqué issued by the Vatican. He will rest among the remains of seven other popes and Pauline Bonaparte, the sister of the French emperor.
A brief will published by the Vatican reveals Pope Francis' last wishes: a simple burial in a Rome basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Argentine Jesuit requested a "decorated" sepulcher, adorned with only his name in Latin inscribed on it: "Franciscus."
In the meantime, Pope Francis' coffin will be on display from Wednesday at St. Peter's Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their last respects. The pope's body, preserved in a coffin since Monday evening, has taken residence in the chapel of the Vatican's Santa Marta residence since his election in 2013.
A Final Goodbye
Images of the pope in his open coffin, flanked by two Swiss Guards, were released by the Vatican on Tuesday morning. Clad in a white miter, a liturgical headdress reserved for bishops, and a red chasuble, the pope holds a rosary in his hands.
In the days leading up to his successor's election, the 135 cardinal electors under the age of 80 will shoulder the daunting task of choosing the next spiritual leader during the conclave, scheduled for early May.
Update at 12:30 PM, confirming Olaf Scholz's attendance
As the world awaits the conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor, let us remember the life and legacy of the man who touched the hearts of millions. His humble and compassionate spirit lives on, inspiring us to be better and strive for kindness in our own lives.
Enrichment DataThe funeral is anticipated to be a grand affair, drawing attention around the world, much like Pope John Paul II’s 2005 funeral, referred to as the "diplomatic event of the year." Confirmed attendees at this historic event include President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump (first foreign trip of Trump’s second term), Prince William (representing King Charles III), President Droupadi Murmu of India, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines, along with several heads of state from France, Poland, and other members of the European Union, and Secretary-General António Guterres of the United Nations. Notable exceptions to the guest list are Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has cited an international arrest warrant as the reason for his absence. The event is expected to attract leaders from a dozen nations and international bodies, but the exact attendance figures remain undisclosed. Pope Francis has requested burial at Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Church instead of St. Peter’s Basilica, breaking tradition[1][3][4].
- The anticipated attendance at Pope Francis' burial includes various foreign dignitaries such as US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, among others.
- In line with Pope Francis' wishes, his burial place will be the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where he will rest alongside seven other popes and Pauline Bonaparte.
- In accordance with tradition, the attendance of political figures at Pope Francis' funeral is usually high, turning the event into a spectacle of global proportions.
- Despite the numerous heads of state confirmed to attend, Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to disregard the event, citing an international arrest warrant as the reason for his absence.
