Join us in prayer for the Funeral Mass of Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Basilica. The liturgical celebration will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
At the conclusion of the Mass, the coffin of the Holy Father will be taken in procession to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where the burial will take place.
Let us pray together for the eternal rest of our beloved Pope Francis.
Today, as the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, we reflect on a life devoted to humility, compassion, and transformative leadership within the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following a stroke and subsequent heart failure. His final moments were spent peacefully at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. In accordance with his wishes for a modest farewell, his body lay in state at St. Peter’s Basilica until the morning of April 26, allowing the faithful to pay their respects.
apnews.com
The funeral Mass, held today in St. Peter’s Square, was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. The ceremony drew an estimated 200,000 mourners, including over 130 foreign delegations and numerous world leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and French President Emmanuel Macron. In a poignant reflection of Pope Francis’s inclusive vision, the honor guard included refugees, prisoners, and transgender individuals—those often marginalized in society .
Pope Francis chose to be buried not in the Vatican but in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. His simple wooden coffin, lined with zinc, bore only the inscription “Franciscus,” symbolizing his lifelong commitment to humility and service .
Pope Francis’s 12-year papacy was marked by a steadfast dedication to social justice, environmental stewardship, and outreach to the marginalized. He championed the causes of the poor, advocated for migrants, and emphasized the need for ecological responsibility. His efforts to reform the Church and promote inclusivity often met resistance, yet his legacy endures as a testament to compassionate leadership .
As we commemorate his life and service, we invite you to watch the funeral Mass and join in honoring a pontiff who redefined the papacy for the modern era.
Stream Pope Francis funeral video below
Source: EWTN