Breaking news:Pope Francis’s body to lie in state until funeral on Saturday, Vatican says…See reasons below

Breaking news:Pope Francis’s body to lie in state until funeral on Saturday, Vatican says…See reasons below

Breaking News: Pope Francis’s Body to Lie in State Until Funeral on Saturday, Vatican Announces
On Monday, April 21, 2025, the Vatican confirmed the passing of Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, at the age of 88. The beloved leader, known for his humility and progressive outreach, died from a stroke and irreversible heart failure at his residence in the Domus Santa Marta, Vatican City. The Vatican has since released details of the preparations for his funeral, stating that Pope Francis’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday, April 23, to Friday, April 25, allowing the faithful and global mourners to pay their respects before his funeral on Saturday, April 26. This article explores the reasons behind his death, the significance of the lying-in-state period, the funeral arrangements, and the broader implications for the Catholic Church as it navigates this historic transition.

The Passing of Pope Francis: Cause of Death and Context
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, succumbed to a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure on the morning of April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM, according to the Vatican’s official statement. The pontiff had been battling health challenges in the months leading up to his death, including a five-week hospitalization for double pneumonia earlier in the year. Despite his frail condition, Francis made a poignant final public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, delivering a blessing from St. Peter’s Square. In what would become his last words, he thanked his nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, for accompanying him on his final ride in the popemobile, saying, “Thank you for bringing me back to the square.”
The Vatican’s transparency regarding the cause of death, confirmed via an echocardiogram, reflects Pope Francis’s own reforms to simplify papal funeral rites and ensure clarity in the transition process. His death has triggered a series of centuries-old rituals, marking the beginning of the Sede Vacante (vacant seat) period, during which the Catholic Church prepares to mourn, honor, and select a new pontiff.

Lying in State: A Time for Mourning and Reflection
Beginning Wednesday, April 23, Pope Francis’s body will be moved in a solemn procession from the Chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where it currently rests in an open wooden casket, to St. Peter’s Basilica. The transfer, scheduled for 9:00 AM local time, will be led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who is responsible for overseeing Vatican affairs during the interregnum. The public will have the opportunity to view the pontiff’s body from 11:00 AM to midnight on Wednesday, 7:00 AM to midnight on Thursday, and 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Friday.

The lying-in-state period, part of the Novemdiales (nine days of mourning), is a deeply symbolic tradition rooted in ancient Roman practices and adapted by the Catholic Church. It allows the global Catholic community—1.4 billion strong—and people of all faiths to pay their respects to a leader who reshaped the papacy with his emphasis on humility, social justice, and inclusivity. The Vatican has released images of Pope Francis in his casket, dressed in red vestments with a white mitre and a rosary in his hands, guarded by the Swiss Guard. These images underscore his desire for simplicity, as he requested his body not be elevated on a bier, a departure from traditional papal practices.

The decision to hold public viewings reflects Pope Francis’s lifelong commitment to accessibility. Unlike his predecessors, who often resided in the opulent Apostolic Palace, Francis chose to live in the modest Domus Santa Marta guesthouse, a symbol of his rejection of papal grandeur. The open-casket viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of mourners, including pilgrims, dignitaries, and world leaders, such as U.S. President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Prince William, representing King Charles III.

Funeral Arrangements: A Blend of Tradition and Simplicity
Pope Francis’s funeral is set for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM local time (4:00 AM ET) in St. Peter’s Square, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. The ceremony will feature the Ultima Commendatio and Valedictio, traditional prayers entrusting the pontiff’s soul to God. While the funeral will retain elements of pomp and pageantry, it will reflect Francis’s reforms to papal funeral rites, which he simplified in 2024 to emphasize modesty. Notably, his body will be placed in a single wooden coffin, eschewing the traditional three-layered caskets (cypress, lead, and oak) used for previous popes.

In a significant break from tradition, Pope Francis will not be buried in the grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, where 91 popes are interred. Instead, his final resting place will be the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome’s Esquilino neighborhood, a site he frequently visited to pray before and after international trips. This decision, outlined in his final testament, reflects his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and his desire for a simple tomb inscribed only with “Franciscus.” The Vatican has confirmed that an anonymous benefactor will cover the costs of his burial, aligning with Francis’s rejection of extravagance.
The choice of Santa Maria Maggiore is historic, as it marks the first time in over a century that a pope will be buried outside Vatican grounds.

The basilica, one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, houses the tombs of seven popes, the last being Clement IX in 1669. Francis’s burial there underscores his desire to be “under the shadow of a woman,” as noted by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, highlighting his advocacy for a greater role for women in the Church.
Reasons Behind the Arrangements
The Vatican’s meticulous planning for Pope Francis’s lying in state and funeral is driven by several key factors:
Honoring His Legacy of Humility: Pope Francis’s papacy was defined by his rejection of lavish trappings and his focus on serving the marginalized. His simplified funeral rites, modest coffin, and burial outside the Vatican reflect his lifelong commitment to humility and accessibility.

Facilitating Global Mourning: The three-day lying-in-state period allows Catholics and non-Catholics alike to bid farewell to a pontiff who reached out to diverse communities, including the poor, refugees, and members of other faiths. His inclusive approach made him a global figure, and the Vatican anticipates massive crowds in Rome.

Adhering to Tradition and Reform: While rooted in centuries-old rituals, the arrangements incorporate Francis’s reforms to streamline papal funerals. His rules stipulate that the funeral must occur between Friday and Sunday, ensuring a timely transition to the conclave to elect his successor.

Preparing for the Conclave: The funeral marks the start of the Novemdiales, after which cardinals will gather for a conclave, expected to begin between May 5 and 10, to choose the next pope. The lying-in-state period and funeral provide a structured mourning process, allowing the Church to shift focus to its future leadership.

Global and Diplomatic Significance: The presence of world leaders at the funeral underscores Pope Francis’s influence on international affairs, from advocating for peace in Ukraine to addressing climate change and migration. The Vatican’s arrangements ensure a dignified ceremony befitting his global impact.

Implications for the Catholic Church
Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a transformative 12-year papacy that sought to return the Church to its Gospel roots. His emphasis on social justice, environmental stewardship, and outreach to marginalized groups—including the LGBTQ+ community and interfaith dialogue—earned him both admiration and criticism. His reforms, such as tackling corruption in the Vatican and addressing the clergy abuse crisis, achieved mixed results, leaving a complex legacy for his successor to navigate.

The conclave to elect the next pope will involve approximately 135 eligible cardinals, many appointed by Francis, raising the possibility of a non-European pontiff continuing his global perspective. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, is among the frontrunners, though no clear favorite has emerged. The transition period will test the Church’s ability to balance tradition with the progressive vision Francis championed.

Global Response and Local Impact
The announcement of Pope Francis’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes worldwide. In Rome, Italy’s government declared a five-day period of national mourning, with flags at half-mast and heightened security measures in place for the funeral. The Wales vs. Italy Women’s Six Nations rugby match, scheduled for Saturday in Parma, is being rescheduled to avoid clashing with the funeral, reflecting the event’s national significance.
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Catholics globally are mourning a leader who connected with the faithful through gestures like living in a guesthouse, washing the feet of prisoners, and embracing the poor. Pilgrims like Esquivel Telles, a 55-year-old Mexican who credited Francis’s prayers with her leukemia remission, are flocking to the Vatican to honor him. Social media platforms, including X, are abuzz with posts sharing news of the lying-in-state period and funeral, alongside reflections on his legacy.

Conclusion
The Vatican’s announcement that Pope Francis’s body will lie in state from Wednesday to Friday, culminating in a funeral on Saturday, April 26, sets the stage for a global farewell to a transformative pontiff. The arrangements reflect his desire for simplicity, his devotion to the Virgin Mary, and his commitment to making the Church more accessible. As the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning and transition, the world watches closely, honoring a leader whose humility and compassion left an indelible mark. The coming weeks will not only commemorate Pope Francis’s legacy but also shape the future of the papacy as the conclave prepares to elect his successor.