Pope Francis was laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, 2025, following a funeral Mass attended by over 250,000 people at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
The burial took place at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, fulfilling the late pontiff’s personal wish to be buried outside the Vatican — a decision not seen since the burial of Pope Leo XIII in 1903.
The funeral Mass was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and was attended by global leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres.
Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, was known for his emphasis on humility, simplicity, and social justice. His coffin was adorned simply with a crucifix and his coat of arms, reflecting his well-known commitment to a modest lifestyle.
The Basilica of St. Mary Major held deep personal significance for Pope Francis. During his papacy, he frequently visited the church to pray before the icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, before and after major events and trips.
Following the funeral and burial, the Catholic Church has entered a period of transition. The College of Cardinals is expected to convene a conclave within the next 15 to 20 days to elect the next pope.
Pope Francis’s death marks the end of an era characterized by efforts to reform the Catholic Church, promote global peace, and advocate for the poor and marginalized.