The funeral of Pope Francis has been scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. A viewing of his body will commence on Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica, following the death of the beloved pontiff, who died of a stroke at the age of 88. Currently, he is lying in state at the Santa Marta Domus, accessible only for private viewings by Vatican residents and the papal household.
Cardinals convened at the Vatican on Tuesday to finalize the details for Francis's funeral and burial, as well as to plan the conclave to elect his successor and make decisions regarding the leadership of the Catholic Church during this period of mourning. Known as history's first Latin American pontiff, Francis captivated many with his humble approach and commitment to addressing the needs of the poor. However, he also faced criticism from conservative factions within the church due to his views on capitalism and climate change. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he offered blessings and participated in a popemobile tour in St. Peter’s Square.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is slated to attend the funeral. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric noted that Pope Francis and Guterres shared similar values, particularly regarding climate change, human dignity, and migration. Reports indicate that the pope slipped into a coma shortly after showing signs of illness on Easter Monday, passing peacefully without visible suffering, according to witnesses present.
Pope Francis expressed apprehensions about the Easter Sunday popemobile ride, questioning whether he could manage it after concerns about his health. However, with encouragement from his health care assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, he engaged warmly with the crowd of approximately 50,000 during the ride. Afterward, he expressed gratitude for being able to return to the square amidst his health struggles.
As news of his passing reached his family, Sister Ana Rosa Sivori, the late pope's second cousin and a nun in Thailand, shared her profound sense of loss, praying for his journey to heaven. Francis’s candid approach made a lasting impact on many, particularly regarding his advocacy for the marginalized. The conclave to elect his successor has not been officially scheduled yet, but it is anticipated to begin no sooner than May 5.
Many candidates, colloquially referred to as "papabile," are viewed as potential successors despite the tradition that cardinals do not campaign for the papacy. The procedure is considered a divine election of Christ’s Vicar on Earth, requiring at least two-thirds of the vote from cardinals under 80 years of age.
Pope Francis faced considerable pushback throughout his tenure, particularly from conservatives who were unsettled by his supportive stance towards divorced and civilly remarried Catholics receiving Communion. His papacy marked a significant shift away from the more conservative doctrines upheld by his predecessors, including Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013 — a historic move that left many pondering the implications of a resignation by a sitting pope.
The funeral will take place at St. Peter’s Basilica, which is notable for housing the remains of past popes, and is built over the presumed tomb of St. Peter. The basilica is a highlight of Vatican City and features numerous artistic treasures such as Michelangelo’s “Pietà.” Italy has declared a period of national mourning running from Tuesday until Saturday, coinciding with the pope's funeral.
Across the globe, overwhelming support has emerged as individuals gather to commemorate Pope Francis. In Bethlehem, citizens expressed deep sorrow, calling him their "brother" and a symbol of hope. Likewise, the situation echoed in various regions, such as in Jakarta, Indonesia, where crowds of faithful waited in solemnity to pay their respects despite inclement weather. In Poland, a national day of mourning has also been declared for Saturday, with President Andrzej Duda expected to attend the funeral.
Additionally, security measures have been heightened in Rome in anticipation of the crowds expected at the funeral. Italian police have been patrolling St. Peter’s Square, ready to manage the influx of mourners who wish to pay their final respects to Pope Francis during the public viewing that is set to begin on Wednesday.
As communities gather to reflect on Pope Francis's legacy, many remember him as a compassionate figure who dedicated his life to serving the less fortunate, advocating for social justice and environmental sustainability. His unique style left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church, prompting discussions about the future direction of the papacy.
