VATICAN — Under grey Vatican skies, a crowd that could fill a stadium gathered to bid farewell to Pope Francis.
As the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica echoed across Rome, both the faithful and dignitaries stood shoulder to shoulder, honoring the life of a pope who chose simplicity over splendor.
Italian police estimate around 150,000 mourners packed St. Peter’s Square and its surrounding streets, while Vatican officials are putting the number closer to 200,000. Either way, it’s clear: the world showed up in force.
Who Is Leading the Funeral?
At the heart of today’s service is Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, who is leading the funeral Mass.
A seasoned Vatican figure, the 91-year-old Italian cleric was ordained in 1957 and rose through the ranks to be named a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001.
Having participated in both the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI and the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, Re brings a profound continuity to today’s farewell.
Just earlier this year, Pope Francis himself extended Re’s term as dean, ensuring a steady hand would oversee moments like this.
How the Morning Unfolded
The ceremony has been moving with clockwork precision, following a solemn but beautiful timeline. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments:
- 07:30 BST: Archbishops and bishops began gathering in the Constantine Wing, while priests assembled outside in the square.
- 08:00 BST: Orthodox patriarchs and cardinals convened in the Saint Sebastian Chapel, the resting place of Pope John Paul II.
- 09:00 BST: The official funeral began, with Pope Francis’ simple coffin laid before the basilica’s grand façade.
- 10:30-10:45 BST (expected): The Mass will conclude, and a slow procession will escort Francis’ coffin across the city to his chosen resting place—the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
This emotional walk will take the coffin past Rome’s most famous landmarks, a symbolic farewell from the Eternal City he loved so much. For a full overview of the funeral procession and burial details, Vatican News has you covered.
A Final Journey Rooted in Humility
Pope Francis, who championed modesty and compassion throughout his papacy, made sure his final moments reflected those values. No lavish gold-trimmed caskets here—his simple wooden coffin with a zinc lining is exactly what he asked for.
Later today, Francis will be laid to rest not within the Vatican walls but at Santa Maria Maggiore, near the Salus Populi Romani icon he revered so deeply. His tomb will bear just one word: Franciscus.
It’s a final chapter in a papacy that consistently reminded the world: greatness isn’t measured by grandeur, but by grace.
