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The Vatican announced on Tuesday that the funeral for Pope Francis, the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff who died on Monday following a stroke, will be held on Saturday at 10:00 am (0800 GMT) in St Peter’s Square. The service is expected to draw tens of thousands of mourners, including global dignitaries and world leaders.
Francis, who had recently been discharged from a five-week hospital stay due to double pneumonia, suffered a sudden stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, according to the official death certificate released by the Vatican.
Final Journey: From Vatican Residence to Final Resting Place
On Wednesday at 9:00 am, the pope’s body will be transferred from Casa Santa Marta—his humble Vatican residence during his 12-year papacy—to St Peter’s Basilica, where he will lie in state for public viewing.
Images released on Tuesday showed the pope lying in repose, dressed in red papal vestments with a rosary in his hands and a mitre on his head. These were taken during a private ceremony in the Santa Marta chapel attended by close aides and members of the clergy.
His funeral service will be followed by a procession to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where he chose to be buried—a break from the tradition of recent popes who were interred within the Vatican itself. Francis will become the first pope in over a century to be buried outside Vatican grounds, honoring his wish for simplicity and humility.
World Leaders to Attend: Trump, Macron, Zelensky Confirmed
In a strong signal of the global impact Pope Francis had during his pontificate, numerous world leaders have confirmed their attendance. Among the first were former U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, both of whom paid tribute to the pontiff’s legacy even before the funeral date was announced.
A senior official from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office also confirmed his plans to attend the ceremony in Rome.
Meanwhile, Francis’s home country of Argentina declared a week of national mourning, and India began three days of state mourning, a rare gesture for a foreign religious figure in the secular yet spiritual nation.
Cardinals Begin Preparations for Conclave
The Vatican also began the formal process for selecting a new pope. On Tuesday morning, cardinals from around the world convened for the first general congregation, setting in motion the ancient tradition that culminates in the election of the next pontiff.
According to Catholic protocol, the conclave must begin between 15 and 20 days after the death of a pope. While all cardinals may participate in preliminary discussions, only those under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave.
A Legacy of Reform, Compassion, and Controversy
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis made history as the first Latin American and first Jesuit pope. His papacy was marked by a blend of progressive outreach and deep Catholic tradition.
Francis was an outspoken advocate for:
- Migrants’ rights
- Environmental protection
- Economic and social justice
He also made headlines for his efforts to reform the Roman Curia, improve financial transparency, and expand the role of women and laypeople in Church affairs. Under his leadership, the Vatican relaxed secrecy laws regarding child sexual abuse, mandating that Church members report abuse to superiors—a move that received praise, though some survivor groups believed he fell short of full accountability.
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Despite internal resistance, Pope Francis consistently emphasized a message of inclusion, famously saying, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay Catholics.
“He tried to get people to understand it doesn’t matter your sexual orientation, your race, it doesn’t matter in the eyes of God,” said Mateo Rey, a 22-year-old student from Mexico, while attending a vigil in St Peter’s Square.
A Global Outpouring of Grief and Gratitude
Since news of his death broke, thousands have flocked to St Peter’s Square, many lighting candles and laying flowers in silent remembrance of a man seen as a symbol of humility and progress.
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi also paid tribute, praising the pope for “making the world a better place.”
Even those who disagreed with his views acknowledged his deep impact.
“He wasn’t afraid to speak out, to go where others wouldn’t. Whether you liked his opinions or not, he made you think,” said one attendee at Tuesday’s prayer service.
A Simple Tomb for a Humble Shepherd
True to his nature, Pope Francis requested a simple, unadorned tomb, marked only with his papal name in Latin — Franciscus. His coffin, in accordance with tradition, will be made of wood and zinc.
In contrast to the grandeur of past pontiffs, his will called for a modest burial — one more reflective of a spiritual guide than a global figurehead.
