- Vatican City, Europe – Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday in St. Peter’s Square showcased the duality of his papacy: a global leader mourned by presidents and royalty, yet deeply committed to the marginalized. While world leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Prince William will attend, it was prisoners and migrants who ushered the late pontiff into St. Mary Major Basilica for his final resting place.
This unique send-off mirrored Francis’ 12-year mission to reform the papacy, emphasizing a “poor church for the poor,” a vision he articulated shortly after his election in 2013. A decree placed in his coffin Friday night underscored this commitment, highlighting his choice of the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, “who had the heart of the poor of the world.”
Despite the presence of global dignitaries, including the Argentine President (Javier Milei), the funeral service reflected Francis’ personal preference for simplicity.
Breaking with tradition, he was interred in a simple underground tomb in St. Mary Major Basilica, marked only with his name: Franciscus. The route to the basilica, a 4-kilometer motorcade, is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of mourners.
Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, died at 88 after a stroke. His death initiates the process of electing a new pope, a conclave anticipated for early May, overseen by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
The outpouring of grief was immense. Over 250,000 people queued for hours over three days to pay their respects as Francis lay in state, a testament to his global impact. One Argentine pilgrim, Augustin Angelicola, described him as “an excellent, humble person who changed many laws and always for the better.”
Francis’ special connection with St. Mary Major, stemming from his devotion to the basilica’s Madonna icon, informed his burial choice. The basilica also holds significance for his Jesuit order, as St. Ignatius Loyola celebrated his first Mass there.
Forty representatives from marginalized communities—homeless, migrants, prisoners, and transgender individuals—were chosen to greet his casket, underscoring Francis’ dedication to the poor. The Vatican cited Francis’ own words: “The poor have a privileged place in the heart of God.” The actual burial was a private ceremony for cardinals and close aides.
Italy deployed substantial security forces—over 2,500 police and 1,500 soldiers—for the event.
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