Pope Francis’ Body Lies in State at St. Peter’s Basilica Before Funeral

Pope Francis’ Body Moved to St. Peter’s Basilica

On April 23, 2025, the body of Pope Francis was solemnly transported from the Casa Santa Marta residence to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The late pontiff, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart failure, will lie in state for three days, allowing thousands of mourners to pay their respects ahead of his funeral on Saturday, April 26.

A Solemn Procession Through Vatican City

The procession began early Wednesday morning, with Pope Francis’ body carried in an open wooden coffin by 14 pallbearers dressed in black suits and white gloves. The route passed through Piazza Santa Marta and Piazza dei Protomartiri Romani before entering St. Peter’s Square through the Arch of the Bells. The coffin was accompanied by red-hatted cardinals, priests, candle-bearing friars, and members of the Swiss Guard, while a male choir chanted psalms and prayers in Latin. The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled solemnly as the procession moved forward.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo tasked with overseeing papal funeral arrangements, led a brief service at Casa Santa Marta before the procession began. Addressing the faithful, he said, “Let us thank the Lord for countless gifts that He bestowed on the Christian people through His servant Pope Francis.”

Thousands Gather to Pay Respects

As the coffin crossed St. Peter’s Square, a crowd of several thousand mourners broke into applause, a traditional Italian gesture of respect. Many described Pope Francis as a figure who brought inclusivity and accessibility to the Catholic Church. Rachel McKay, a pilgrim from Britain, shared, “He’s like a member of the family, someone very close to our hearts.”

The body of Pope Francis will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica until Friday evening. The basilica will remain open until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday and until 7 p.m. on Friday to accommodate the large number of visitors expected. Fabio Ciciliano, head of Italy’s civil protection agency, estimates that at least 200,000 people will attend the outdoor funeral service.

Funeral Arrangements and Global Attendance

Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. local time. The ceremony will take place in St. Peter’s Square, continuing the tradition of holding papal funerals outdoors to accommodate large crowds. World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, have confirmed their attendance.

In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the tradition of papal burials in St. Peter’s Basilica. He requested a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc and specified that his body should not be placed on an elevated platform but instead lie facing the pews.

Conclave to Elect the Next Pope

Following the funeral, the Catholic Church will enter a period known as “sede vacante” (vacant seat). During this time, Cardinal Kevin Farrell will oversee day-to-day affairs until a new pope is elected. The conclave to choose Pope Francis’ successor is not expected to begin before May 6, as cardinals from around the world gather in Rome to discuss the election process.

There is no clear frontrunner for the papacy, but early speculation points to figures such as Luis Antonio Tagle, a reformer from the Philippines, and Pietro Parolin, an Italian cardinal. The election process is expected to involve prolonged discussions, reflecting the global nature of the Catholic Church.

Legacy of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected as the 266th pope in 2013. Known for his humility, progressive views, and emphasis on social justice, he was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. His papacy was marked by efforts to address issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and the inclusion of marginalized communities within the Church.

In his final public appearance on April 20, 2025, Pope Francis surprised pilgrims by being driven around St. Peter’s Square in his white, open-topped popemobile. Despite his declining health, he continued to inspire millions with his message of compassion and unity.

As the Catholic Church prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis, his legacy as a transformative leader will undoubtedly shape the future of the Church and its mission in the modern world.