| A chapter in the history of the Roman Catholic Church has drawn to a close. The world is mourning the passing of Pope Francis, the first American pontiff, who died on April 21, 2025. Known for his humility, reformist spirit, and global influence, Pope Francis will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Thousands of faithful have already begun filing past his body, which lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. For three days, the Vatican is hosting a period of solemn prayer and recollection. The funeral is expected to be attended by a significant contingent of world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky — underscoring Francis’s far-reaching diplomatic legacy. Following the funeral, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, fulfilling his wish for a resting place outside the traditional Vatican tombs. A Papacy of Firsts Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, made history as the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and a leader who shifted the Church’s tone toward one of inclusivity and social justice. His tenure was marked by bold stances on climate change, economic inequality, and migration. Now, with the Holy See entering the period known as the Sede Vacante or “empty see,” the governance of the Vatican has passed to the Camerlengo, USA Cardinal Kevin Farrell. His responsibilities include certifying the pope’s death, sealing the papal apartments, managing the Vatican’s day-to-day operations, and preparing for the conclave that will elect the next Supreme Pontiff. The Road to the Next Papacy The funeral will be presided over by Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. Last February, Pope Francis had extended Cardinal Re’s term beyond the traditional five-year limit, alongside that of Argentine Vice-Dean Cardinal Leonardo Sandri. Cardinal Re will convene the daily general congregations of cardinals, during which the needs of the Church will be assessed and the desired qualities of a future pope deliberated. The conclave, held under strict secrecy in the Sistine Chapel, will follow. Though the 1975 rules by Pope Paul VI capped the number of cardinal electors at 120, recent popes — including John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis — have exceeded that limit. This upcoming conclave may see between 130 and 145 electors, bolstered by Francis’s nomination of 21 new cardinals in December 2024, potentially tilting the balance toward a more global and progressive vision for the Church. The Global Stage Awaits As the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, the Church finds itself at a crossroads. With war, forced migration, and new geopolitical forces reshaping the global landscape, the next pontiff will inherit a spiritual institution that must continue to evolve to maintain its relevance and moral authority. For now, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica toll in mourning. Pope Francis’s final journey may be drawing to a close, but the path he paved continues to guide millions around the globe. |
Pope Francis: A Final Goodbye to the First American Pope
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