The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will be laid to rest on Saturday at 10 a.m. in a funeral that balances tradition with the late pontiff’s wish for simplicity.
Despite his request for a humble burial, preparations are underway for a major event that will draw leaders from around the globe and mark a turning point for the Roman Catholic Church.
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 following a cerebral stroke that led to coma and heart failure. In line with the values he lived by, the pontiff asked to be buried in a plain grave at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. His will specified that his tomb should have no lavish ornaments—just his papal name “Franciscus” and nothing more. His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica before the funeral.
From the moment the pope’s death was made public, church officials began mobilizing. Cardinals from across the world are arriving in Rome for a gathering that will lead to the election of a new pope. These cardinals, all under the age of 80, are the only ones eligible to vote in the conclave that will take place after the funeral. In total, 135 cardinals will soon begin the highly confidential process of selecting the next spiritual leader for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
Francis was known for turning away from the grandeur of the Vatican and instead focusing on serving the poor and marginalized. His leadership style was marked by strong support for migrants, outreach to the LGBTQ community, and outspoken views on climate change. Though he reshaped much of the Church’s leadership by appointing a majority of current cardinals, he often found himself isolated in a changing world where populist and authoritarian voices rose in power.
Now, with his passing, questions are rising over what direction the Church will take. Conservative members within the Church have made no secret of their hope for a change in direction, especially after years of tension with the more liberal approach Francis embodied.
Political figures are expected to attend the funeral, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly plans to travel to the Vatican for the ceremony. His presence may add complexity to security and logistics, but also reflects the global reach of the pope’s influence, even among those he once criticized.
Though the world mourns the death of a spiritual leader, attention is already shifting to what comes next. The Church now faces the task of choosing a new pope, one who could either carry forward Francis’ message or turn toward a different path. As the funeral approaches, the Vatican is not just saying goodbye to a pope, but preparing for a new beginning.