On April 26, millions across the globe are witnessing the burial of Pope Francis in his chosen resting place, the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
Since the announcement of his death, over 100,000 mourners have visited St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis — born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 — who served as a beloved spiritual leader until his passing.
On Friday evening, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, presided over the Rite of Sealing the Coffin, a private ceremony ahead of Saturday’s public funeral. Following the sealing, the late pope’s coffin is presented to a vast and diverse crowd, expected to reach several hundred thousand, representing the universal and welcoming Church that Francis championed.
Approximately 20,000 guests are attending the outdoor funeral, including U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Prince William.
A Humble Farewell
In keeping with his wishes, Pope Francis requested a “simple” burial — a departure from centuries of tradition. Instead of the traditional three nested caskets (cypress, lead, and oak), he is being laid to rest in a single, zinc-lined wooden coffin. His tomb bears no elaborate decoration, only the humble inscription: Franciscus.
Untraditionally, Pope Francis also chose to be buried outside the Vatican, a decision rooted in his deep devotion to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. “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, entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother,” he had written.
Final Honors
Before the burial, a white silk veil was placed over the pope’s face, and holy water was sprinkled over his body. Among the personal items placed in the coffin are coins and medals minted during his 12-year pontificate, along with a document detailing key moments of his leadership.
In his final testament, Francis expressed gratitude and peace:
“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.”
Feel free to share your reflections on Pope Francis’s life and legacy in the comments, and share this story to invite others to do the same.
