Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope who pushed for inclusivity and compassion, leaves a complex legacy as nations honor his memory with mourning and remembrance ceremonies.
Pope Francis's Funeral Scheduled as Nations Mourn His Passing
Pope Francis's Funeral Scheduled as Nations Mourn His Passing
Global Tributes Pour In for the Late Pontiff Following His Death at 88
April 22, 2025, 5:54 a.m. ET — The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis's funeral will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time, as nations across the globe observe official periods of mourning following his death at 88. In keeping with his wishes for simplicity, the pontiff directed a modest burial, opting for a single coffin rather than the traditional elaborate arrangement.
Across the world, memorial services have been held, with flags lowered to half-staff in countries such as Australia, Japan, and Italy. In the Philippines, where Catholicism has a strong influence, the Manila Cathedral witnessed an overwhelming turnout of mourners. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India declared a three-day state mourning, and several other nations, including Brazil and Spain, have joined in this collective remembrance.
Both political and religious leaders are expected to attend the funeral, but the guest list may reflect a changed landscape since Francis became pope in 2013. Former President Trump plans to attend, marking his first overseas visit of the term. As the Vatican prepares for the funeral rites, cardinals from around the world have begun arriving in Rome, setting in motion the intricate process of selecting Francis's successor, which is expected to commence following the funeral.
The late pope's health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure, contributed to his death from a stroke, which led to a coma and ultimately cardiocirculatory collapse, according to a statement from the Vatican. The funeral mass will follow simplified guidelines that Francis had previously approved, emphasizing the desire for modesty.
In tribute to his achievements, many recall Pope Francis's dedicated advocacy for marginalized communities and global issues such as climate change and migration. His legacy poses a question for his successor: will the next pope continue Francis's progressive agenda, or will they steer the Church back to conservative traditions?
As the world mourns, speculation grows around potential candidates for the papacy, with figures such as Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle emerging as notable possibilities. Each contender presents different prospects for reflecting or reshaping the future direction of a church with 1.3 billion followers worldwide.
Across the world, memorial services have been held, with flags lowered to half-staff in countries such as Australia, Japan, and Italy. In the Philippines, where Catholicism has a strong influence, the Manila Cathedral witnessed an overwhelming turnout of mourners. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India declared a three-day state mourning, and several other nations, including Brazil and Spain, have joined in this collective remembrance.
Both political and religious leaders are expected to attend the funeral, but the guest list may reflect a changed landscape since Francis became pope in 2013. Former President Trump plans to attend, marking his first overseas visit of the term. As the Vatican prepares for the funeral rites, cardinals from around the world have begun arriving in Rome, setting in motion the intricate process of selecting Francis's successor, which is expected to commence following the funeral.
The late pope's health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure, contributed to his death from a stroke, which led to a coma and ultimately cardiocirculatory collapse, according to a statement from the Vatican. The funeral mass will follow simplified guidelines that Francis had previously approved, emphasizing the desire for modesty.
In tribute to his achievements, many recall Pope Francis's dedicated advocacy for marginalized communities and global issues such as climate change and migration. His legacy poses a question for his successor: will the next pope continue Francis's progressive agenda, or will they steer the Church back to conservative traditions?
As the world mourns, speculation grows around potential candidates for the papacy, with figures such as Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle emerging as notable possibilities. Each contender presents different prospects for reflecting or reshaping the future direction of a church with 1.3 billion followers worldwide.
