Cardinals gathered at the Vatican on Tuesday to begin the solemn task of arranging the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke and heart failure. As the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning, the cardinals are also preparing for the conclave that will elect his successor.
The late pope, the first from Latin America, will be remembered for his 12-year papacy that emphasized humility, care for the poor, and ecological responsibility. His final public appearance, delivering an Easter blessing from the same loggia where he was introduced in 2013, poignantly capped a transformative papacy.
According to Vatican protocols, Francis’ body is expected to be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday for public viewing. Unlike his predecessors, Francis chose a simplified burial plan. His body will rest in a plain wooden coffin with a zinc interior, placed simply in the basilica without elevation, symbolizing his emphasis on modesty.
In his will, Francis requested to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, home to his beloved icon of the Virgin Mary, where he often prayed after returning from international trips.
The funeral is expected between Friday and Sunday, in line with norms Francis himself revised. U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei are among the dignitaries expected to attend. The Mass will be presided over by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, or his deputy, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri.
Following the funeral, the Church enters nine days of mourning—novendiali. The conclave to choose a new pope is likely to begin within 15 to 20 days after the sede vacante is declared. The election will follow traditional procedures, with cardinals voting in secrecy and smoke signals alerting the public to the outcome.
As bells toll around the world and flags fly at half-staff, tributes pour in for a pope seen as both compassionate and courageous. The world now waits as the Church prepares to choose a new shepherd to guide its 1.3 billion faithful.
