Cardinals have confirmed Pope Francis’ funeral will be held Saturday morning, marking the beginning of nine days of mourning. The Vatican released images of the late pontiff in an open casket, wearing a red robe, papal mitre, and rosary.
Pope Francis, who died at 88, succumbed to a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. He had been hospitalized in February with double pneumonia and returned to the Vatican in mid-March to recover.
Global mourning was evident as bells tolled in chapels worldwide and flags flew at half-staff in Italy, India, Taiwan, and the United States. Soccer matches in Italy and Argentina were suspended in honor of the Argentine pope, a lifelong San Lorenzo soccer club fan.
In his final testament, the pontiff requested burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, with his papal name inscribed in Latin: Franciscus. As the first pope from Latin America, he led the 1.4 billion-member church since 2013.
World leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called Francis “a pope for the poor, the downtrodden, and the forgotten,” are expected to attend the funeral.
The College of Cardinals, comprising 252 senior clergy members, will play a crucial role in the upcoming papal election. Of these, 135 are cardinal electors, with Pope Francis having appointed 108 of the current electors.
Vatican officials paid tribute to the pontiff’s legacy. Sister Nathalie Becquart noted that he “truly gave everything he had,” while Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi highlighted his efforts to promote women in the church.
International reactions have been profound. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will attend the funeral, while Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences but will not be present.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols of the UK described the pope’s passing as a moment when “a serious voice has fallen silent,” emphasizing Francis’ compassion and commitment to marginalized communities.
The pontiff’s body will be laid in public view, allowing mourners to pay their final respects at St. Peter’s Square.
As the Catholic Church prepares for this significant transition, the world reflects on Pope Francis’ impactful decade-long leadership.
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