Pope Francis's Legacy: A Simpler Papacy

Pope Francis, who passed away in 2025, initiated significant changes in the protocols surrounding papal funerals, favoring simplicity over traditional opulence. His body, on display for three days at the Vatican, marks a poignant farewell for the Catholic faithful. The procession leading his body to the Basilica of St. Peter’s distinctively began with a moment of silent prayer among cardinals, contrasting the grandiosity of previous papal funerals. Although the event was imbued with solemnity, it retained elements of traditional Catholic pageantry with an expectedly large procession of cardinals, reflecting the growth of the College of Cardinals during his papacy.

The visual narrative of his funeral emphasizes Francis's perception of himself as a pastor, not merely a ceremonial figure. This contrast draws attention to the significant shift he represented in the Vatican hierarchy and his focus on accessibility. As the world turns its eyes to the ceremony, the impact of his decisions is sure to resonate beyond the gilded halls of the Church, influencing future papal traditions for years to come.