Final Farewell: Funeral plans for Pope Francis underway
This Saturday, the world will turn its attention to Vatican City to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis — the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church.
This Saturday, the world will turn its attention to Vatican City to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis — the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church.
This Saturday, the world will turn its attention to Vatican City to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis — the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church.
Funeral arrangements are underway for Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Sunday at the age of 88. The 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church died of a stroke and heart failure at his residence in Vatican City.
Pope Francis was the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church and was widely regarded as a reformer and “the people’s pope.” His papacy was marked by efforts to increase transparency within the Church, elevate attention to poverty and climate change, and promote inclusion.
According to Vatican News, some of his final words were, “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square,” spoken to his nurse following his final public appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter morning.
His body currently lies in an open coffin at his residence, where close associates and members of the College of Cardinals are paying their respects. On Wednesday, his body will be moved in a solemn procession to St. Peter’s Basilica, where he will lie in state. The basilica will be open to the public for visitation.
The funeral is scheduled for Saturday in St. Peter’s Square. Thousands of attendees are expected, including international dignitaries and heads of state. President Donald Trump is among those confirmed to attend.
The College of Cardinals, which met today in the Vatican’s Synod Hall, will soon begin preparations for the conclave to elect the next pope. Under current norms, the conclave must begin between May 5 and May 10.