VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis is being laid to rest on Saturday in a ceremony that reflects his papal priorities and pastoral wishes. While prominent figures such as presidents and royalty are set to attend his funeral in St. Peter's Square, individuals from marginalized communities, including prisoners and migrants, will accompany him into the basilica where he will be buried.
Up to 200,000 people are expected at the funeral, which Pope Francis choreographed himself by revising and simplifying the Vatican's liturgical rites last year. His intention was to underline the pope's role as a humble priest rather than as "a powerful man of this world," as stated by the Vatican.
This ceremony is a culmination of Francis's 12-year mission to reform the papacy by emphasizing servitude and advocating for "a poor church for the poor." He articulated this mission shortly after his election in 2013 and chose his papal name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who was deeply concerned for the poor, according to a decree placed in his coffin.
Despite the ceremony's focus on humility, many powerful figures will be present. Notable attendees include U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, the U.N. Secretary-General, and leaders from the European Union. Argentine President Javier Milei will also have a prominent role due to Francis’ Argentine roots, despite their rocky relationship, as Francis has never returned to Argentina after becoming pope.
Pope Francis is set to break from recent papal traditions by being buried in the St. Mary Major Basilica, which is located near Rome's main train station. His burial will take place in a simple tomb with only his name, "Franciscus," marked on it. An expected 300,000 people will line the 4-kilometer (2.5 mile) motorcade route that will transport his casket from the Vatican to the basilica following the funeral.
Passing away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke while recuperating from pneumonia, Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy as the first Latin American and Jesuit pope. With his funeral, preparations for electing a new pope can now commence, with a conclave likely starting in the first week of May. During this transitional period, the Vatican will be overseen by a small group of cardinals, primarily Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals, who is also presiding over the funeral and organizing the subsequent secret voting in the Sistine Chapel.
In the days leading up to the funeral, over 250,000 mourners lined up for hours to pay their final respects to Francis, who lay in state at St. Peter's Basilica. The Vatican extended visiting hours to accommodate the crowds, which reportedly included those turned away when the public hours ended on Friday evening.
Before becoming pope, Francis had a special affection for St. Mary Major. The basilica houses a Byzantine-style icon of the Madonna, known as the Salus Popoli Romani, which Francis revered and prayed before during his trips. His tomb is intentionally located next to the chapel containing this icon, featuring a reproduction of his simple silver pectoral cross above the marble grave.
The choice of burial location also symbolizes his ties to the Jesuit religious order, as its founder, St. Ignatius Loyola, celebrated his first Mass in the basilica on Christmas Day 1538. The Vatican announced that 40 special guests would greet Francis's casket in the piazza, representing various marginalized groups he prioritized during his papacy, including homeless individuals, migrants, prisoners, and members of the transgender community.
In preparation for the funeral, Italy has deployed over 2,500 police and 1,500 soldiers to ensure security for the event. This includes the positioning of a torpedo ship off the coast and keeping fighter jets on standby, according to reports from Italian media.
