In brief
Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at 88, is being mourned worldwide. His funeral will reflect the humility he embodied during his papacy, and leaders such as Trump and Zelensky plan to honor his legacy.
The pope’s body is set to lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica, where the public can pay their respects before the funeral service described as simple yet meaningful.---In a solemn announcement, the Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis will lie in state for three days at St. Peter’s Basilica before his funeral on Saturday. The service is expected to draw global leaders, including President Trump of the United States and President Zelensky of Ukraine, as they pay their last respects to a pontiff whose teachings often challenged the powerful.Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, is being honored around the world with memorial services, including poignant tributes at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney and Manila Cathedral. As flags fly at half-staff in numerous countries such as Italy, Brazil, and his native Argentina, thousands of mourners have gathered to commemorate his life and message during public prayer services.On Tuesday, the pope’s body was displayed in an open coffin at his residence, Casa Santa Marta. A procession will take it to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday. During the funeral, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside, following a simpler ceremony as desired by Francis himself during his papacy.Global figures are preparing for what marks their first gathering of this scale since Trump’s inauguration, emphasizing the complex legacy Francis leaves behind. Despite having criticized some of these leaders, they now seek to honor his commitment to social issues such as migration and poverty alleviation.A conclave to elect Francis' successor is expected to commence shortly after the funeral. The Vatican is already seeing the arrival of cardinals from around the world, who will engage in deliberations on the future direction of the church.In a departure from tradition, Francis left clear instructions for his burial, seeking simplicity with an undecorated tomb in the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major. This request encapsulates the ethos of his papacy centered on humility and connection with the marginalized.As the world reflects on Pope Francis' contributions, his legacy as a reformative, compassionate leader who sought to uplift the forgotten is poised to shape discussions for the future of the Catholic Church and its global community.
