Pope Francis’s Funeral: A Diverse Gathering

An impressive array of attendees, including global leaders, royalty, refugees, prisoners, transgender individuals, and the homeless, will gather in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday for the funeral of Pope Francis, a transformative liberal leader who guided the Catholic Church for 12 years.

Passing of Pope Francis

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Monday at his residence in Casa Santa Marta following a stroke and heart failure, after recovering from a five-week bout of double pneumonia.

Public Mourning and Funeral Preparations

During the three days he lay in state, tens of thousands of mourners paid their respects at St. Peter’s Basilica. His coffin was sealed in a private ceremony on Friday night, ahead of the upcoming funeral mass.

Security Measures for the Event

The funeral service, set to begin at 10 AM local time, will be officiated by Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. With over 130 foreign delegations expected and around 200,000 pilgrims attending, extensive security measures are in place involving thousands of Italian police, military personnel, and the Vatican’s Swiss Guards.

World Leaders in Attendance

Among notable attendees will be a delegation from Argentina led by President Javier Milei, Italian leaders, US President Donald Trump, his wife Melania, and former President Joe Biden. Other dignitaries include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

A Focus on Refugees and Vulnerable Populations

Francis’s funeral mass will also honor organizations like Mediterranea Saving Humans and Refugees in Libya. These NGOs represent values he upheld during his papacy, emphasizing compassion towards refugees and vulnerable individuals. Survivors of detention camps, like Mahamat Daoud, reflect on the late pope’s commitment to social justice.

Final Resting Place and Burial Plans

After the mass, Francis’s simple wooden coffin will be transported to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, approximately 2.5 miles away, passing iconic landmarks along the way. True to his wishes, his burial will be an understated affair, held in a modest niche that had previously stored candlestick holders, inscribed only with his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.