Vatican City — In a ceremony marked by simplicity and humility, thousands gathered Saturday to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the beloved leader who transformed the Catholic Church with his messages of inclusion, mercy, and modesty during his 12-year papacy.
Mourners Flood St. Peter’s Square Overnight
Crowds filled St. Peter’s Square and surrounding areas along the Tiber River well before the funeral began at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET).
Officials had estimated around 200,000 mourners would attend, including dozens of world leaders and dignitaries.
Some attendees camped out overnight to secure a spot.
“We have been waiting all night,” said Maria Fierro of Spain. “Accompanying Francis in his last moments is very emotional.”
James Mary, a Franciscan nun, added, “We want to say goodbye because he was a living saint — very humble and simple.”
Pope Francis Remembered for His Humble Lifestyle
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke, following weeks of respiratory illness.
Known as “the people’s pope,” he championed the poor and marginalized, avoided grand displays, and famously lived at a Vatican guesthouse rather than the traditional papal apartments. He was often seen riding in small vehicles like a Fiat during his travels.
Even in death, Francis sought simplicity. He had reformed papal funeral traditions last year to make his own service modest and accessible to the people.
Funeral Service: A Departure from Tradition
Saturday’s funeral service was expected to last about 90 minutes — significantly shorter than the three-hour service for Pope John Paul II in 2005.
In a break from centuries of tradition, Francis requested burial outside the Vatican, opting instead for a niche between the Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani and the Sforza Chapel inside the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.
His tomb will be simple, bearing only the inscription: “Franciscus.”
The late pope’s coffin also departed from tradition. Instead of being nested within three coffins made of cypress, lead, and elm, Francis will be laid to rest in a single wooden coffin lined with zinc, shaped like a tapered hexagonal box to resemble a human figure.
Embed from Getty ImagesTight Security Amid Global Gathering
Security was heightened throughout Vatican City and Rome.
About 2,000 local police officers, backed by thousands more national security agents, patrolled the funeral, assisted by river patrols, drones, and snipers.
The massive security operation reflected the attendance of dozens of global leaders and tens of thousands of mourners.
Who Presided Over the Funeral?
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the funeral Mass, joined by patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests from around the world.
Re, a seasoned Vatican figure described as affable and efficient, plays a key role in the church’s hierarchy and will help oversee the process of selecting the next pope.
World Leaders Pay Their Respects
The funeral drew an array of world leaders and dignitaries.
Former U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, along with their spouses, attended the service. Britain’s Prince William represented King Charles III, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also made the trip.
Among other attendees were U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Argentine President Javier Milei, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Thousands Visited Pope Francis During His Lying in State
Leading up to the funeral, around 25,000 people filed past Pope Francis lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Lines stretched more than half a mile from the Vatican, with some mourners waiting three hours to pay their final respects.
“He was a wonderful pope,” said Alessandra Caccamo of Rome. “I’m going to miss him so much — it’s like I’ve lost a piece of myself.”
Rachel McKay, from Britain, added, “He made the church accessible and inclusive. He’s like a member of the family.”
When Will a New Pope Be Chosen?
The papal conclave to elect the next pope is expected to begin between 15 and 20 days after Francis’ death, likely after May 6.
Out of the 252 cardinals currently serving, 135 are eligible to vote, as only cardinals under the age of 80 may participate in the conclave.
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Pope Francis’ legacy of humility, compassion, and service has left a lasting mark on the Catholic Church and millions worldwide. As he requested, even his final farewell was rooted in simplicity — true to the spirit he embodied throughout his life.
Contributing Reuters
