Pope Francis, beloved around the world for his humility and deep compassion, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. After suffering a stroke followed by cardiac arrest, he left behind a legacy that profoundly shaped the Catholic Church and resonated far beyond it. His death marked the end of a papacy that constantly sought to bridge divides and promote inclusivity.
On April 26, more than 400,000 mourners gathered in St. Peter’s Square to attend his funeral, a ceremony both grand and deeply personal. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re led the Mass, emphasizing Pope Francis’s commitment to the poor and marginalized. Fifty-five heads of state and twelve monarchs were present, paying tribute to a man who had become a moral voice on the world stage.
Breaking with centuries of tradition, Pope Francis chose not to be buried in the Vatican but rather at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. This choice symbolized his enduring devotion to the Virgin Mary and his desire for a humble final resting place. It was a fitting end for a pontiff who had consistently favored simplicity over grandeur.
The Church now enters a period of nine days of mourning known as the novendiales, marked by daily Masses honoring his memory. In the weeks ahead, the College of Cardinals will gather in Rome to elect a new pope, carrying forward the spirit of renewal and compassion that Pope Francis brought to his extraordinary papacy.
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