In brief
Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and Latin American pope, passed away at 88, leaving behind a transformative mark on the Catholic Church and the world.
In Vatican City, a heartfelt assembly took place on Saturday morning as mourners from various walks of life gathered in St. Peter’s Square to bid farewell to Pope Francis during his funeral Mass. Tens of thousands of attendees were expected, including dignitaries, royalty, and everyday people whom the pope had championed through his inclusive vision of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, had taken steps last year to simplify his funeral, advocating for a humbler representation of leadership in the church. Nevertheless, the ceremony still embraced traditional Catholic pageantry, including an assembly of global leaders, numerous cardinals in their red robes, bursting crowds, and Gregorian chants performed in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.The Vatican anticipated over 150 international delegations, with notable figures such as President Trump, former President Biden, and Argentine President Javier Milei—Francis's fellow countryman—expected to be present. Notably, a group representing refugees and the homeless, which Francis had ardently supported throughout his 12 years as pontiff, was also allocated a place at the ceremony, organized by the charity St. Egidio.The funeral Mass was set to commence at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. Eastern). The New York Times was to provide live streaming of the event, while international networks like BBC, NBC, PBS, and various others across the world were ready to broadcast the rare occasion.Pope Francis had previously made changes to the papal funeral customs, delineating his view of the pope as a humble servant rather than an exalted figure. His body will be placed in a simple wooden coffin, and after the Mass, he will be taken to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome for a private burial ceremony greeted by the less fortunate—a representation of his life’s work beside the marginalized.Attention is expected to shift towards select the next pope after the burial. Speculation about potential successors among the College of Cardinals is rife, especially in the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions that have brought together leaders with conflicting views.As the world gathers to commemorate a pontificate that strived for inclusivity, justice, and understanding across borders, Pope Francis’s legacy remains a guiding light for many. His transformative journey was characterized by advocacy for refugees, the environment, and the revitalization of the church amidst scandal and controversy.
