Pope Francis’ Funeral: The First Latin American Pontiff Remembered for Simplicity and Unwavering Devotion

On April 21, Pope Francis died at the age of 88 at Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City. Francis had served as pope, the head of the Catholic Church, for 12 years since his election on March 13, 2013.

Shortly after his death, his spiritual statement was released: “May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.”

His body was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica to lie in state for three days. During that time, 250,000 mourners came to pay their last respects.

He opted for a basic wooden coffin lined with zinc and ended the tradition of popes being buried in three coffins (cypress, lead and elm) and placing the pope’s body on a raised platform for public viewing.

The funeral — presided over by 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re — took place on Saturday, April 26. The ceremony was mostly outside in St. Peter’s Square.

“Francis was a pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone,” Re said. “Rich in human warmth and deeply sensitive to today’s challenges, Pope Francis truly shared the anxieties, sufferings and hopes in this time of globalization.”

World leaders who attended the funeral at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square included Britain’s Prince William, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, U.S. President Donald Trump, former U.S. President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette Marit, Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and Monaco’s Prince Albert and Princess Charlene were also in attendance.

Pope Francis was buried at Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) in Rome.