Pope Francis’s coffin is set to be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state for three days, allowing thousands to pay their respects before his funeral on Saturday. In the words of Francis himself, “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” His passing at the age of 88, following a stroke and cardiac arrest at the Casa Santa Marta—his residence throughout his remarkable 12-year papacy—has left many around the world reflecting on his legacy.
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This morning, a solemn procession will accompany his body to the richly adorned St. Peter’s Basilica, marked by liturgy, psalms, and heartfelt prayers. His simple wooden coffin will make its entry through the central door of the basilica, ultimately resting before the Altar of the Confession.
The funeral will draw significant attention, with notable attendees including President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and Tanaiste Simon Harris, each representing a community touched by the pontiff’s message of compassion and peace.
After the funeral, Pope Francis’s coffin will be transported to his cherished church, Santa Maria Maggiore, where it will be interred beneath a simple inscription: “Franciscus.” This marks a historic moment as he becomes the first pope in over a century to be laid to rest outside the Vatican.
In preparation for the funeral, Italy is implementing a major security operation, coinciding with a busy public holiday on Friday, April 25. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has indicated that authorities anticipate welcoming between 150 and 170 foreign delegations, alongside tens of thousands of mourners eager to pay tribute.
Italy has declared five days of national mourning—marking a longer period than the three days observed for Pope John Paul II in 2005, and yet shorter than the week of mourning declared by his home country of Argentina.
In the wake of the funeral, the focus will shift to the crucial process of selecting Francis’s successor as the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The Holy See has already sent letters to cardinals around the globe, urging their return to Rome for this significant event. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave, which is expected to commence between 15 to 20 days following the papal death.
About 60 cardinals already in Rome convened yesterday for a “general congregation” to determine the funeral date. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for this afternoon, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo responsible for managing the Holy See’s daily operations until a successor is appointed.
Pope Francis’s death comes less than a month after he was released from the hospital, where he bravely fought pneumonia in both lungs for five weeks. Despite medical advice suggesting a two-month period of rest, he continued to connect with the public, appearing determined yet visibly fatigued. On Easter Sunday, just a day prior to his passing, he circled St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile, greeting the crowd and sharing warm moments, including kisses for babies along his route.
He passed away at 7:35 AM local time, following a series of severe health incidents, including a stroke, a period in a coma, and heart failure, as recorded on his death certificate. The Vatican later released images showing Francis laid in repose in his open coffin within the Casa Santa Marta chapel.
The humble pope, who shunned extravagance in favor of simplicity, was dressed in red papal vestments, a mitre adorning his head, and a rosary gently laced between his fingers. As Sister Maria Guadeloupe Hernandez Olivo from Mexico reflected on the news of his passing, she shared, “It was very hard, very sad to hear. I did not expect it. I believe he’s in a better place, no longer suffering, but I do feel this emptiness for our pastor.”
As the world mourns, we are reminded of his enduring call to compassion, connection, and faith.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
