Pope Francis’ funeral, scheduled for today, is sure to be a reflection of the simplicity and humility that he called for and modeled during his papacy. This will be a fairly unadventurous service compared to those provided by his predecessors. It will remain true to the vision and the detailed direction for its operation he provided in his will. He will be the first Pope since Leo XIII to be laid to rest away from the Vatican. This ceremony serves as an example of his distinctive understanding of leadership and faith.
The funeral will commence at 10:00 AM local time when the coffin is placed in St. Peter’s Square. Pope Francis’ body will be clothed in a red chasuble and a damask and golden papal mitre. Later, it will be taken to the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in Rome, for burial. This place is especially meaningful. It was the first church he visited as Pope back in 2013. His crypt would be installed in the nave’s side aisle. It will go between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel, literally steps away from the statue of Mary Regina Pacis.
As it turns out, Pope Francis wrote a short will in which he expressed his wish for a modest burial. He asked for an ordinary wooden coffin lined with zinc. He insisted that his future tomb only show the inscription “Franciscus,” the name he took. This remarkable simplicity reflects the humility and dedication to service he exhibited his entire life.
Daily Mass Every day, a Mass will be offered for the late Pope’s repose. Officials expect more than a quarter million members of the public to pass through to pay their respects. The guest list so far reveals at least 170 heads of state or government, a tribute to the global impact of Pope Francis’ ministry.
Archbishops and bishops began gathering at 08:30 local time in the Constantine Wing, a corridor adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica, to prepare for the service. One of those in attendance is expected to be Prince William, who will stand in for King Charles III. This annual tradition started way back in 2005. At the time, then Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) stood in for Queen Elizabeth II at the funeral of Pope John Paul II.
The tribute is intended to pay tribute to the man. It honors his calling as a shepherd and disciple of Christ. Monsignor Diego Ravelli commented on this sentiment, stating, “even more that the Roman Pontiff’s funeral is that of a shepherd and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful man of this world.”
Now that the world comes together to mourn, it should consider Pope Francis’ profound and unwavering legacy. He once stated, “Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary.” His profound love for Mary is evident in his wish for his last earthly voyage. He wants to end it at Santa Maria Maggiore, a shrine he deeply reveres.
Pope Francis expressed gratitude towards Mary for her guidance during his papacy: “I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.”
As mourners assemble for the funeral service, they will be invited to join a litany of prayers in favor of Pope Francis as well as a final commendation. This final prayer of farewell marks the official entrustment of Pope Francis into the loving hands of God, a fitting summary of his faith and dedication.
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