The first images of Pope Francis’ body since his death were released on Tuesday, showing him lying in a wooden casket wearing red vestments and a bishop’s miter. His funeral has been scheduled for Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, with the dean of the College of Cardinals leading the ceremony. Cardinals met in the Vatican’s synod hall to plan the next steps before the conclave selects the next pope. Ordinary faithful can pay their respects starting Wednesday when Francis’ casket is brought into St. Peter’s Basilica.
US President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei plan to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who died Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke and heart failure. He had spent 38 days in the hospital for respiratory issues, recovering just in time to make a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, where he delivered a blessing and met with US Vice President JD Vance. In his last will, Francis confirmed his wish to be buried at St. Mary Major basilica, where his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary is housed.
The bishop’s conference of Italy and a possible contender for the papacy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, praised Francis for his dedication and his outreach to all people, describing him as someone who gave himself until the end. The Empire State Building in New York honored the late pontiff by lighting up in the colors of gold and white after his death. Francis’ final visit to St. Mary Major basilica, where he left flowers and prayed before the icon of the Virgin Mary, was a fitting end to his time as the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The funeral of Pope Francis in Rome on Saturday will see world leaders, including Donald Trump and Javier Milei, paying their respects to the beloved pontiff. The cardinals of the Vatican, who gathered on Tuesday to plan the next steps before the conclave selects the next pope, have set the funeral for 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. The images released of Francis in his casket show him dressed in his red vestments and bishop’s miter, with the Vatican Secretary of State seen praying over him in the Domus Santa Marta hotel chapel.
Pope Francis’ death marked the end of his 12-year papacy, during which he made significant efforts to reach out to all people and spread the message of love and compassion. He had been in declining health due to chronic lung disease, which required hospitalization for pneumonia just weeks before his death. Despite his health challenges, Francis remained committed to his role as pope, making a final public appearance on Easter Sunday to deliver a blessing and meet with dignitaries.
The legacy of Pope Francis as a humble and dedicated leader who worked tirelessly to promote peace and unity among people of different faiths and backgrounds will be remembered by millions around the world. His decision to be buried at St. Mary Major basilica, where his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary is housed, reflects his deep devotion to his faith and his love of the Virgin Mary. As world leaders gather to bid farewell to the beloved pontiff, the memory of Pope Francis’ remarkable papacy will continue to inspire people of all faiths for years to come.
