Today, April 26, 2025, millions around the world are joining in mourning the death of Pope Francis, the 266th Pontiff of the Catholic Church, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
His funeral Mass, a poignant and globally observed event, is taking place in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Major television networks, including TV47, are providing live broadcasts, while the Vatican’s official YouTube and Facebook channels are offering streams to a worldwide audience.
Presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the solemn ceremony commenced at 10 a.m. local time and is extending for four hours, drawing dignitaries and faithful alike.
In accordance with Pope Francis’ deeply held values, the ceremony is notably simple, a powerful reflection of his lifelong dedication to humility and service. Eschewing the elaborate displays often associated with papal funerals, his unadorned coffin rests openly at ground level, encouraging mourners to offer their respects in quiet contemplation.
A gathering of world leaders stands as a testament to his global influence, including former U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Yet, despite the presence of such prominent figures, the ceremony remains rooted in the principles Francis passionately advocated: compassion, human dignity, and unwavering care for the most vulnerable. In a moving symbolic gesture, members of marginalized communities are receiving his coffin.
Marking a significant departure from centuries of tradition, Pope Francis is not being interred within the hallowed grounds beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Instead, in a decision reflecting his personal devotion, he chose the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, a church he visited with notable frequency throughout his papacy. This burial marks the first time in over a century that a Pope has been laid to rest outside the Vatican.
The funeral of Pope Francis transcends a mere global moment of mourning; it serves as a powerful and enduring testament to his profound legacy. He will be remembered for his profound humility, his unwavering love and advocacy for the marginalized, and his transformative approach to the papacy, characterized by openness and a focus on pastoral care. His passing signifies the end of a significant chapter in modern Church history, but his impactful influence is certain to resonate for generations to come.
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