Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome drew a global outpouring of grief and respect, as royalty, presidents, and religious leaders joined throngs of mourners in St. Peter’s Square for a solemn farewell. Presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Mass honored Francis’s legacy of humility and compassion. In a break from tradition, the pontiff was buried at Santa Maria Maggiore, a basilica he cherished, following a moving procession through Rome’s historic heart. This unprecedented event reflected Francis’s enduring impact, uniting the world in tribute to a pope who championed the marginalized and inspired hope across nations.
On April 26, 2025, the world paused to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the beloved first Latin American pontiff, whose 12-year papacy reshaped the Catholic Church with humility and compassion. His passing at 88, after a stroke and cardiac arrest, brought millions together in Rome for a historic funeral that celebrated a life dedicated to the marginalized. The day was a testament to his enduring legacy from St. Peter’s Square to a humble grave in Santa Maria Maggiore.
A Universal Gathering in St. Peter’s Square
Under a serene spring sky, St. Peter’s Square transformed into a sea of mourners. Tens of thousands of pilgrims, locals, and global visitors gathered to honor the pope, who championed the voiceless. The funeral Mass was solemn and heartfelt, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
Cardinal Re’s eulogy described Francis as a “shepherd of the people,” whose open heart embraced everyone, especially the poor. As 14 pallbearers carried his simple wooden coffin, adorned only with a cross, through the basilica to an outdoor altar, the crowd erupted in spontaneous applause—a rare and moving tribute in Catholic tradition.
Exequial Mass for the late Roman Pontiff Francis
On April 26, 2025, the Vatican held the Exequial Holy Mass for the late Pope Francis in Saint Peter’s Square, attended by cardinals, Eastern Church patriarchs, and global dignitaries. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presided over the ceremony, which included the Ultima Commendatio and Valedictio rites. After Mass, Pope Francis’s coffin was transferred to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major for interment.
Cardinal Re highlighted Pope Francis’s commitment to humility, service, and compassion in his homily throughout his 12-year pontificate. Elected in 2013, Pope Francis chose his name to reflect the values of Saint Francis of Assisi, emphasizing care for the marginalized and the environment. His papacy was marked by efforts to promote mercy, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. Notable initiatives included the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy and the encyclicals Laudato si’ and Fratelli tutti.
Pope Francis’s outreach extended globally, with 47 apostolic journeys, including visits to Lampedusa, Lesbos, and Iraq, underscoring his dedication to refugees and peace. His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, offering blessings despite health challenges. Cardinal Re concluded by entrusting Pope Francis’s soul to God, honoring his legacy of love and service.
A Tapestry of Global Leaders
The funeral was a rare moment of unity, drawing an extraordinary array of dignitaries. Over 130 countries sent representatives, including 50 heads of state. Notable attendees included:
- U.S. President Donald Trump
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
- Argentina’s President Javier Milei
- Prince William and Spanish royals
Seating arrangements reflected global dynamics, with Trump and Zelensky placed just ten seats apart, a nod to recent tensions. Religious leaders from diverse faiths also attended, highlighting Francis’s commitment to interfaith dialogue.
Unprecedented Security for a Historic Event
Italian authorities implemented extraordinary measures to manage the massive crowds and high-profile guests. Thousands of police and soldiers patrolled Rome, airspace over Vatican City was closed, and a naval vessel stood guard off the coast. Despite the scale, the event unfolded seamlessly, a testament to meticulous planning.
In the days leading up to the funeral, over 250,000 people visited St. Peter’s Basilica during the three-day lying-in-state. The basilica remained open around the clock, allowing mourners from all walks of life to pay their respects.
A Final Journey Through Rome
After the Mass, Francis’s coffin was placed on an open-air popemobile for a poignant 6-kilometer procession through Rome. The route, crossing the Tiber River and passing iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia, was lined with 300,000 people. 3,000 strong volunteers ensured safety, distributed water, and provided medical aid.
The procession was more than a farewell; it celebrated a pope who walked among the people. Mourners tossed flowers and sang hymns, their voices echoing through the Eternal City.
A Humble Resting Place
True to his lifelong humility, Pope Francis chose a simple burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a church he cherished for private prayer before and after papal trips. The private burial ceremony was intimate, attended by a small group that included migrants, homeless individuals, prisoners, and transgender people—those Francis tirelessly advocated for. They welcomed his coffin with white roses, symbolizing purity and love.
His tomb, inscribed only with “Franciscus,” reflects his desire to be remembered not as a pope but as a servant. This modest choice underscored his mission to bring the Church closer to humanity’s everyday struggles.
A Legacy That Resonates
The funeral powerfully reflected Francis’s values. Mourners described it as “deeply moving” and “a perfect tribute,” with spontaneous cheers and tears capturing the crowd’s affection. His emphasis on inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and compassion for the marginalized left an indelible mark on the Church and the world.
Francis’s papacy was transformative. He spoke out on climate change, welcomed refugees, and challenged economic inequality. His acts of humility—washing the feet of prisoners, living in a modest Vatican guesthouse—redefined papal leadership. His funeral, attended by both the powerful and the powerless, embodied this legacy of bridge-building.
Looking Ahead: The Conclave and Beyond
As the Vatican prepares for the conclave to elect Francis’s successor, the world reflects on a pontiff who reshaped the Church’s role in a divided world. His final journey from St. Peter’s grandeur to a simple grave in a Roman neighborhood speaks volumes about his priorities—always with the people, always for the marginalized.
Key Moments and Facts
- Date: April 26, 2025
- Locations: St. Peter’s Square (funeral), Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (burial)
- Attendance: Hundreds of thousands, including 130+ foreign delegations
- Security: Extensive measures, including airspace closure and naval presence
- Legacy: Humility, advocacy for the poor, interfaith dialogue, and global unity
A Farewell That Unites
Pope Francis’s farewell was both a global spectacle and a deeply personal moment. It brought together presidents and prisoners, royalty and refugees, in a shared celebration of a life that touched hearts worldwide. As his tomb in Santa Maria Maggiore becomes a place of pilgrimage, his message of love, humility, and inclusion will continue to inspire generations.
