Tens of Thousands Queue to Pay Final Respects to Pope Francis
On Friday, April 25, 2025, tens of thousands of mourners gathered outside St. Peter's Basilica to bid farewell to Pope Francis, whose body lay in state beneath the vast dome designed by Michelangelo. The basilica opened its doors at 5:40 a.m., and by 7:00 p.m., more than 90,000 people had paid their respects, Vatican officials reported. The faithful, including many from his native Argentina, waited in line for hours to approach the casket, which was flanked by Swiss Guards in red-plumed helmets. Ushers ensured a steady flow, allowing mourners a brief moment to honor the late pontiff.
A Humble Farewell Reflecting a Humble Life
Pope Francis's funeral arrangements deviate from traditional papal customs. He will be interred in a modest wooden coffin at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, becoming the first pope since Leo XIII in 1903 to be buried outside the Vatican. In accordance with his wishes, representatives of the poor and marginalized will be present to pay their final respects.
Global Dignitaries Unite in Mourning
The funeral is expected to draw over 130 international delegations, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs. Notable attendees include U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Russian President Vladimir Putin will be absent due to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
Final Public Viewing Before the Funeral
The public viewing of Pope Francis's body concluded on Friday evening. A private ceremony led by eight cardinals will seal the coffin before the funeral Mass on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter's Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe.
How to Participate Remotely
For those unable to attend in person, the funeral Mass will be broadcast live globally. Viewers can tune in via Vatican News, BBC1, Sky News, and various online platforms, including the Vatican’s official website and YouTube channel.
Honoring a Transformative Papacy
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. His 12-year papacy was marked by efforts to modernize the Church, advocate for the poor, and address global issues such as climate change and migration. His passing on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, has elicited an outpouring of grief and reflection worldwide.