Pope Francis Funeral: Final Journey, Global Tributes, and Historic Farewell at St. Mary Major Basilica
Pope Francis Funeral Live Updates:
Pope Francis was laid to rest today at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, following an emotional funeral ceremony at St. Peter’s Square that drew leaders and faithful from across the globe. In a break from tradition, the beloved pontiff chose a simple underground tomb outside the Vatican, reflecting his lifelong commitment to humility and inclusivity.
Funeral Ceremony and Burial Details
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis concluded after a solemn 90-minute service co-celebrated by 220 cardinals, 750 bishops, and over 4,000 priests. His simple wooden coffin, bearing only a cross and his papal coat of arms, was later transported through the heart of Rome to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, located near the city’s main train station.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21 after a prolonged illness, including a battle with bilateral pneumonia. True to his wishes, prisoners and migrants — groups he championed throughout his papacy — participated in his burial, symbolizing his lifelong dedication to marginalized communities.
World Leader in Pope Funeral in Veatican City
Transition of Leadership: How the Next Pope Will Be Chosen
With Pope Francis’s passing, the Catholic Church has officially entered the Sede Vacante (“the seat is vacant”) period. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, appointed by Francis in 2019, now oversees the Vatican. A conclave of cardinals under 80 years old will convene in the Sistine Chapel within 15–20 days to elect the next pope, requiring a two-thirds majority vote.
Funeral Becomes a Diplomatic Hub: World Leaders Meet in Rome
The funeral served as a significant diplomatic event. US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met privately in Vatican City, discussing potential peace initiatives amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. Trump also met briefly with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support for US-led peace talks during her meeting with Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s former Vice President Chen Chien-jen represented Taipei, using the event to engage with leaders of friendly nations.
A Personal Tribute: Remembering Pope Francis
For many, Pope Francis was more than a religious figure — he was a symbol of compassion and reform. His ties to the Jesuit order resonated deeply with those who value education, social justice, and humility. His personal affinity for football, combined with his work championing marginalized communities, made him uniquely relatable to millions.
Redefining Spiritual Leadership
Pope Francis didn’t just preach inclusion — he lived it. Throughout his papacy, he broke barriers, reaching out to atheists, people with disabilities, and followers of other faiths. His leadership style emphasized orthopraxy — right action over mere right belief — leaving behind a gentle but powerful revolution grounded in kindness and human dignity.
A Break with Tradition: Burial Outside Vatican Walls
In another symbolic departure from Vatican norms, Pope Francis chose to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore, rather than beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. His tomb bears a simple inscription, “Franciscus,” reflecting his desire for a modest, unadorned resting place. He becomes the first pope since Leo XIII in 1903 to be interred outside the Vatican.
Historic Procession Through Rome
The coffin’s procession passed iconic landmarks like the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, offering thousands of mourners a final opportunity to bid farewell. More than 300,000 people lined the 4-kilometer route leading to the basilica.
A Call to Action: Caring for Migrants and Ending Wars
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, during the funeral sermon, highlighted Pope Francis’s lifelong themes: caring for migrants, combating climate change, and promoting peace. Quoting Francis’s famous 2016 rebuke of Trump’s immigration policies — “build bridges, not walls” — Re reminded the Church’s cardinals that “there is no going back.”
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite the overwhelmingly emotional farewell, some controversies surfaced. Cardinal Roger Mahony, previously criticized for mishandling sexual abuse cases, participated in the funeral, drawing some backlash. Vatican officials defended his inclusion, citing his seniority.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter for the Church
Following Francis’s burial, the Church will observe a nine-day mourning period known as the novemdiales. Shortly thereafter, the conclave to elect a new pope will begin, signaling a new era for the Catholic Church.
Final Farewells
After paying respects, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump quickly departed Rome aboard Air Force One. Trump described the funeral as “very moving” and praised Pope Francis as a “good man who worked hard and loved the world,” despite their past policy disagreements.