Pope Francis’s Funeral Service: A Historic Farewell
VATICAN CITY—The funeral service for Pope Francis commenced Saturday morning at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking a solemn moment in Catholic history. The ceremony began shortly after 10 a.m. local time, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
This tribute adhered to the Vatican’s established liturgical rites, yet bore unique touches introduced by Pope Francis himself. Notably, an updated edition of the papal funeral rites, which the Pope approved last year, altered certain traditions, including the choice of coffin.
The ceremony unfolded in three distinct phases: the preparation of the body, the viewing, and the burial. Music from the Sistine Chapel Choir set an evocative tone, with readings delivered by Vatican News journalist Kielce Gussie.
Attendees included thousands of mourners, alongside prominent religious leaders and heads of state from around the globe, such as former Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose arrival prompted applause from the crowd. The Vatican represented delegations from approximately 130 countries, encompassing 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs.
In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis will be buried at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome rather than St. Peter’s Basilica, where seven predecessors rest. He wished for a simple burial without elaborate decoration, reflecting his profound humility and connection to the sanctuary.
Following the funeral, a nine-day mourning period known as Novemdiales will commence. Eligible cardinals will convene to prepare for the papal conclave, anticipated to begin in early May, to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church. The ritual of burning ballots will signal the outcome of this esteemed process to the world.
As the Church bids farewell to a transformative figure, the legacy of Pope Francis will continue to resonate globally.
