Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, will be laid to rest on April 26 in a funeral that reflects his lifelong commitment to humility and simplicity. His final wishes have led to significant changes in traditional papal funeral rites, marking a departure from centuries-old customs.AxiosRNS+2eCatholic Teachings+2Aleteia+2
A Humble Farewell
From the outset of his papacy in 2013, Pope Francis emphasized a pastoral approach, often eschewing the grandeur associated with the papal office. This ethos is evident in the simplified funeral rites he approved in 2024, which aim to underscore the pope’s role as a servant of Christ rather than a worldly figure of power. Key changes include:The Standard+4eCatholic Teachings+4Texarkana Gazette+4The Standard+7RNS+7eCatholic Teachings+7
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Simplified Viewing: Instead of being placed on an elevated platform, Pope Francis’s body will lie in an open coffin at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects in a more personal and humble setting. Aleteia+6Adoremus+6The Standard+6
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Single Coffin Burial: Departing from the tradition of using three nested coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak, he will be interred in a single wooden coffin lined with zinc, reflecting his desire for modesty even in death. Wikipedia+8eCatholic Teachings+8Catholic News+8
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Private Death Confirmation: The official confirmation of his death by the camerlengo will occur in his private chapel rather than his bedroom, aligning with the revised protocols he endorsed. Aleteia+4RNS+4Adoremus+4
Final Resting Place: Basilica of St. Mary Major
In a significant break from tradition, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, becoming the first pope since Leo XIII in 1903 to be interred outside the Vatican. This basilica holds special significance for him; he often visited it to pray before the icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, both before and during his papacy. Wikipedia+1news.amomama.com+1Wikipedia+3eCatholic Teachings+3The Standard+3
Global Mourning and the Path Ahead
The funeral Mass, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. local time on April 26, will be attended by numerous world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and U.S. President Donald Trump. Following the funeral, the Catholic Church will observe a nine-day mourning period known as “novendiali.” Subsequently, the College of Cardinals will convene to elect the next pope, with the conclave anticipated to begin in early May. Wikipedia
Pope Francis’s funeral rites and burial plans are a testament to his enduring commitment to humility and service, leaving a lasting legacy that challenges and inspires the Church to embrace simplicity and compassion.
