Pope Francis, who led 1.4 billion Catholics for twelve years, will be laid to rest in a deeply personal and humble ceremony. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, and will draw world leaders and thousands of mourners from across the globe.
The pontiff's final journey begins at Casa Santa Marta, his Vatican residence, with a two-mile funeral procession passing through historic Vatican locations. His body will be displayed in St. Peter's Basilica, allowing followers to pay their respects before a mass celebrated by cardinals and clergy.
Breaking from centuries-old papal traditions, Francis chose a simple underground tomb at Santa Maria Maggiore, becoming the first pope in over 100 years to be buried outside Vatican walls. He arranged for an unnamed benefactor to cover burial costs and requested minimal ornamentation, with his tomb marked only as "Franciscus."
The funeral marks the start of nine official mourning days, after which the conclave to elect the next Pope will begin. Thousands of Catholics are expected to attend, with potential celebrity attendees like Leonardo DiCaprio and Lionel Messi joining world leaders in honoring the beloved pontiff.
The ceremony will include traditional Vatican rituals, such as breaking the Pope's Fisherman's Ring and lead seal, symbolizing the Church's transition to new leadership. Francis' final wishes reflect his lifelong commitment to simplicity and humility, even in death.
The pontiff's final journey begins at Casa Santa Marta, his Vatican residence, with a two-mile funeral procession passing through historic Vatican locations. His body will be displayed in St. Peter's Basilica, allowing followers to pay their respects before a mass celebrated by cardinals and clergy.
Breaking from centuries-old papal traditions, Francis chose a simple underground tomb at Santa Maria Maggiore, becoming the first pope in over 100 years to be buried outside Vatican walls. He arranged for an unnamed benefactor to cover burial costs and requested minimal ornamentation, with his tomb marked only as "Franciscus."
The funeral marks the start of nine official mourning days, after which the conclave to elect the next Pope will begin. Thousands of Catholics are expected to attend, with potential celebrity attendees like Leonardo DiCaprio and Lionel Messi joining world leaders in honoring the beloved pontiff.
The ceremony will include traditional Vatican rituals, such as breaking the Pope's Fisherman's Ring and lead seal, symbolizing the Church's transition to new leadership. Francis' final wishes reflect his lifelong commitment to simplicity and humility, even in death.
