Over 250,000 mourners gathered at the Vatican today to pay their respects during a “simplified” funeral service for Pope Francis, remembering the “people’s pope” for his compassion and humility. The late pontiff has now been entombed at Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who conducted the service, praised Francis’ leadership, stating he led with “an open heart toward everyone.”
The two-hour ceremony in St. Peter’s Square was rich with ritual and symbolism, despite its relatively modest scale compared to previous papal funerals. It drew participation from more than 100 delegations, including world leaders and reigning monarchs, all gathering to honor the first Latin American pope. The funeral took place just six days after Francis made his final public appearance during the Easter celebrations.
Before the funeral began, a significant political meeting occurred within the sacred walls of St. Peter’s Basilica. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump held a private discussion. As the White House intensifies efforts to broker an agreement to end Russia’s war on Ukraine, this high-stakes meeting underscored the global tensions present even at a moment of mourning.
Now that Pope Francis’ funeral has concluded, attention shifts toward the process of selecting his successor. The event known as the conclave remains shrouded in mystery, and there is currently no official timeline for when it will begin. However, tradition dictates that the conclave must start no sooner than 15 days and no later than 20 days following the pope’s death, placing its likely commencement sometime in early May.
This upcoming conclave carries significant weight in determining the Roman Catholic Church’s future direction. Francis’ reforms during his papacy have notably broadened representation within the College of Cardinals, making the body more reflective of the global church. As a result, the field of potential successors is more open and diverse than ever before.
The conclave, a process steeped in centuries-old traditions, religious ceremonies, and political maneuvering, will occur behind closed doors. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the voting process, which accounts for slightly more than half of the entire College of Cardinals. In total, 135 members will gather in Rome to fulfill this solemn duty.
Once convened, the cardinals will meet in the Sistine Chapel, where they will deliberate and vote until one among them secures a two-thirds majority. Historically, the duration of conclaves has varied widely, ranging from mere hours to prolonged periods lasting days, weeks, or even years, depending on how quickly consensus is reached.
The crowd assembled for Pope Francis’ funeral reflected a markedly more global presence compared to past papal funerals. Observers noted a striking diversity among the mourners. One commentator shared, “I was here for the funeral of John Paul II, and the crowd here today is much more diverse than back then. It’s striking just how many people have come from all parts of the world. I’m seeing people from Indonesia, US, the Philippines, France, they’ve just come from everywhere.”
The turnout was massive, with people arriving in the early hours of the morning. “We were here at 4.30 a.m., and people were already approaching St. Peter’s Square. Once the police opened the barriers, people just ran up the boulevard to get as close as possible to the square,” another witness described.
From the early dawn, there was a palpable sense of anticipation and reverence among the crowds. Families, young people, elderly pilgrims, and representatives of numerous nationalities converged on St. Peter’s Square, united by a shared admiration for the pope known for his emphasis on mercy, inclusion, and service to the marginalized.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, in his eulogy, emphasized Pope Francis’ distinctive leadership style, noting that he led “an open heart toward everyone,” a trait that endeared him to millions across the globe. Francis was remembered for reaching out to people of all faiths and backgrounds, advocating for the poor, promoting peace, and pushing for reforms that modernized aspects of the Church without compromising its core teachings.
The significance of the moment was not lost on those in attendance or watching from afar. As preparations begin for the conclave, the Church faces a pivotal decision: selecting a pope who can continue Francis’ mission or potentially chart a new course. The changes Francis implemented during his papacy have ensured a broader and more international representation among the voting cardinals, opening the possibility for another non-European pope.
Pope Francis’ final days were marked by the same humility that defined his life. His last public appearance at the Easter service was characterized by a quiet strength, even as his health visibly declined. His death has left a profound void in the hearts of Catholics and admirers worldwide.
As the College of Cardinals prepares to undertake the solemn task of electing a new pope, many believe the spirit of Francis will continue to influence the Church’s future. His papacy will be remembered for championing compassion, inclusivity, and outreach to those often forgotten by society. Whether the next pope will continue in this direction or usher in a new era remains one of the most significant questions facing the Catholic Church today.
For now, as Pope Francis rests in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the world pauses to remember a leader who embraced simplicity, compassion, and humanity. His legacy, shaped by an “open heart toward everyone,” as Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re said, will continue to resonate for generations.