An Era of Change: Pope Francis’ Final Farewell
The passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, marks the end of an era defined by humility and reform. His funeral and burial arrangements, embodying simplicity and devotion, have sparked conversations across the globe, as they deviate from long-standing Vatican customs.
Streamlined Funeral Traditions
In 2024, Pope Francis approved a revised version of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the official guide for papal funerals. This update emphasized the pastoral role of the pope over his monarchical status, simplifying many ceremonial aspects.
Notably, the traditional three-tiered casket—crafted from cypress, lead, and oak—has been replaced with a single, modest wooden coffin lined with zinc. The late pontiff’s body will rest in a simple wooden coffin, positioned at eye level to enable the faithful to bid farewell in a more intimate and personal manner. This symbolic shift underscores Pope Francis’ commitment to connecting with the people.
A Unique Burial Choice
Breaking from centuries of tradition, Pope Francis will not be interred beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, where most of his predecessors lie. Instead, he expressed a heartfelt wish to be laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. This site held profound personal significance for the pope, reflecting his devotion to Mary and his mission to honor her as a spiritual guide.
The decision echoes a historic precedent: the last pope to be buried outside the Vatican was Pope Leo XIII in 1903. By choosing a burial site beyond the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis reaffirms his lifelong values of humility and accessibility.
Honoring the People’s Pope
The funeral plans include a public viewing of Pope Francis’s body at St. Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday morning to Friday evening, allowing the faithful to offer their final respects. The funeral Mass, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time in St. Peter’s Square, will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Clergy from around the world will join the celebration, reflecting the global reach of Pope Francis’ leadership.
A Legacy of Simplicity and Service
Following the funeral, the Catholic Church will observe a traditional nine-day mourning period, known as the novemdiales. This period includes prayers and Masses dedicated to the repose of Pope Francis’s soul, serving as a time for the Catholic community to reflect on his impactful papacy.
Pope Francis’ funeral and burial arrangements epitomize his devotion to a life of humility and service. By eschewing opulence and choosing simplicity, he has left a lasting imprint on the Catholic Church and its traditions. His choices challenge long-established norms, emphasizing the core values of faith and service over grandeur and ritual.
As the world mourns the loss of a transformative leader, the Catholic Church prepares for the conclave that will elect a new pope. Pope Francis’ final farewell is a profound testament to his unwavering dedication to humility and his enduring commitment to the principles of service and simplicity.