The funeral of Pope Francis is scheduled to take place this Saturday in the serene surroundings of St. Peter’s Square, as determined by Roman Catholic cardinals. This important event is expected to attract dignitaries and leaders from around the globe, creating a poignant gathering in remembrance of the pontiff.
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Pope Francis, aged 88, passed away yesterday following complications stemming from a stroke and cardiac arrest. His death marks the conclusion of a dynamic papacy characterized by significant interactions with traditionalists as he championed the causes of the poor and marginalized. As he once wisely said, “A single individual is enough for hope to exist.” His tireless advocacy reflected this belief.
Earlier this year, Pope Francis spent five weeks in the hospital battling double pneumonia but appeared to be on a path to recovery. However, the Vatican shared that his last moments were swift and peaceful, and he experienced no suffering.
He began to feel unwell around 3:30 AM Irish time yesterday and was quickly attended to by his medical team. The official time of his passing was recorded as 7:35 AM.
The Vatican has released tender images of the late pontiff, dressed in his vestments and clutching a rosary, lying peacefully in an open coffin at the Santa Marta residence where he lived during his 12-year papacy. Dignitaries, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella, have already paid their respects to the first Latin American pope, with Swiss Guards standing vigil beside the casket.
As tributes continue, prayers were offered for Pope Francis at the chapel of the Santa Marta residence. Tomorrow morning, at 9 AM local time, his body will be taken into the adjacent St. Peter’s Basilica in a solemn procession led by cardinals. He will lie in state there until Friday evening, before his funeral service unfolds at 10 AM local time in St. Peter’s Square, right in front of the magnificent 16th-century basilica.
The service will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the esteemed 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals.
In a significant and personal departure from tradition, Pope Francis made his final wishes clear in a testament released yesterday, expressing his desire to be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major, rather than in St. Peter’s Basilica, where many of his predecessors have found their final resting place.
As the Catholic Church begins preparing for this transition, centuries-old rituals are set in motion, including the ceremonial breaking of the pope’s “Fisherman’s Ring” and lead seal that served to authenticate documents during his papacy. As stated by the pontiff, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” His legacy certainly echoes in the hearts of many.
To honor his memory, mass services have already been held worldwide, including at the Cathedral Nuestra Senora de La Paz in Bolivia. As Catholics around the globe express their sorrow, all cardinals in Rome have been summoned to discuss the upcoming events and the Church’s administration until a new pope is elected.
A conclave to select the successor will typically be convened 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death, which places its likely start no earlier than May 6th. The specific date will be determined by the cardinals after the funeral proceedings. Approximately 135 cardinals have the right to participate in this confidential voting process, and it may extend over several days, culminating when white smoke signals the world has a new pope.
The question of who will succeed Pope Francis remains open, with no clear frontrunner emerging yet. His papacy has been a journey of addressing the Church’s internal challenges while striving for a more transparent and nurturing environment. “Things are not as bad as they were, that is for sure, but they also are not as good as they could be,” reflected Marie Collins, a survivor advocating for the protection of minors. This sentiment encapsulates the continuing struggles within the Church.
Throughout his papacy, Francis had to navigate tensions with conservatives who perceived him as overly liberal, particularly in his outreach toward marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ community. Importantly, he has appointed nearly 80% of the cardinal electors who will determine his successor, enhancing the chances that his progressive initiatives will persist.
One of Francis’ notable contributions was his commitment to appointing cardinals from diverse regions worldwide, especially those where Catholicism is a minority or experiencing growth. While Europe contains approximately 39% of cardinal electors, a decrease from 52% in 2013, the growing representation of Asia and Oceania underscores Pope Francis’ vision for a more global Church.
As the world mourns, the spirit of Pope Francis continues to resonate, illuminating the path for those who follow. His journey was marked by a profound commitment to compassion, humility, and service—a true reflection of his belief that “A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
