• The funeral of Pope Francis drew around 400,000 attendees, including world leaders and ordinary citizens.
• Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presided over the ceremony, emphasizing Francis's legacy of compassion and care for the marginalized.
• Following the funeral, Pope Francis was laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a break from tradition.
• Thousands are expected to visit his tomb during the official mourning period, which will conclude with a conclave to elect his successor.
• Pope Francis was remembered as a pope of the people, advocating for inclusivity and social justice.

The funeral of Pope Francis took place on April 26, 2025, at St. Peter's Square, marking a poignant moment for leaders and the Catholic faithful alike. An estimated 400,000 people attended the ceremony, which included heads of state like U.S. President Donald Trump and leaders from various nations gathering to pay their respects to the first Latin American pope, who died at the age of 88 on April 21. The ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who celebrated Francis's commitment to welcoming all, saying he was truly a “pope among the people” committed to social justice and the plight of the marginalized.

In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis was buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore rather than in the Vatican, reflecting his wish for a more humble resting place. His coffin was simple, marked only with the name "Franciscus" in Latin, consistent with the lifestyle he preached throughout his papacy. As the coffin made its way through the streets of Rome, the crowds cheered for "Papa Francesco," embodying the love and respect he garnered worldwide, according to Al Jazeera and The Jakarta Post.

The Vatican reported more than 30,000 people visited his tomb just a day after the funeral, contributing to what is expected to be a significant turnout during the nine days of mourning. As mourners filed past, many reflected on Francis's impact, with one visitor stating, “He was a person close to everyone.” Additionally, a special mass was held led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, hinting at the direction the Church may take as it prepares for the upcoming conclave.