Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a champion of the marginalized, was laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, 2025, following a funeral that drew over 400,000 mourners to St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The ceremony was attended by more than 50 heads of state, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Notably, former U.S. President Joe Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden also attended, marking his first major post-presidency appearance .
The funeral Mass, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, emphasized Pope Francis’s legacy of compassion and service to humanity, particularly migrants. His coffin, a simple cypress structure inlaid with a pale cross, was carried to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he was interred in a private ceremony. In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis chose this basilica as his final resting place due to his devotion to the Madonna .
Security was heightened during the event, with thousands of officers deployed and no-fly zones enforced to ensure the safety of attendees . The funeral marked the beginning of a nine-day mourning period, known as the novendiales, during which cardinals will concelebrate Masses in Pope Francis’s memory .
Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after battling pneumonia. His death has prompted preparations for a papal conclave on May 5, where 135 cardinals will elect his successor .
The global outpouring of grief and remembrance reflects Pope Francis’s profound impact on the Catholic Church and the world. His commitment to social justice, environmental issues, and outreach to the poor has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire faith and unity among diverse communities .
Pope Francis Funeral Picture by Alberto Pizzoli Via Getty Images
