The Catholic Church has entered a period of deep mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a cerebral stroke and subsequent heart failure. The Vatican has released official images of the late pontiff lying peacefully in his open wooden coffin, dressed in red liturgical vestments with a rosary in hand, as the traditional Confirmation of Death ceremony was conducted.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, presided over the rite in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Pope Francis had resided since the beginning of his papacy in 2013. The formal sealing of Francis’ Vatican apartment and the ceremonial destruction of the papal seal and Fisherman’s Ring marked the end of his earthly authority and the beginning of the sede vacante—the period in which the See of Peter stands vacant.
The pope’s body will be moved into St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, for public veneration. His funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. local time, to be celebrated in St. Peter’s Square by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, home to the Marian icon he often visited in moments of prayer and pilgrimage. In his will, the pope requested a simple burial “in the earth,” with the only inscription being his name: Franciscus. He also stated that the burial expenses would be covered by an anonymous benefactor.
Heads of state from around the world, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, have confirmed their attendance. Argentina’s President Javier Milei is also expected. Russia’s Vladimir Putin, however, will not attend due to international travel restrictions.
The nine-day period of mourning, known as the novendiali, has officially begun. During this time, the College of Cardinals will meet to organize the funeral and prepare for the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope. According to Church law, the conclave must begin between 15 and 20 days after the pope’s death, making May 5 the earliest possible date.
As of Tuesday, 138 cardinals are eligible to vote, though only 120 may participate according to Church rules. The cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel, voting in secret sessions until one man secures a two-thirds majority. Upon acceptance, the newly elected pope will be announced with the traditional declaration: “Habemus Papam”.
Tributes to Pope Francis have poured in globally. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called him “a Pope for the poor,” while Nigeria’s President Tinubu praised his voice for justice and the Earth. China’s foreign ministry expressed condolences, emphasizing recent constructive engagement with the Vatican.
Yet, Francis’ legacy is not without controversy. While he championed the marginalized and reformed Church governance, critics note shortcomings in addressing the sexual abuse crisis and advancing the role of women in the Church.
Still, his humility, simplicity, and global vision have left an indelible mark on the Church and the world. His final public act—blessing the faithful from the popemobile on Easter Sunday—now stands as a poignant farewell from a shepherd who chose to walk among his sheep.
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