In brief
On Saturday, the global community comes together to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis during his funeral, showcasing the unity among leaders and followers.
The funeral for Pope Francis is set to take place in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time, drawing a multitude of mourners, including world leaders, cardinals, archbishops, and priests from across the globe. News outlets worldwide will broadcast this poignant farewell, allowing millions to participate in this historic moment.Until the funeral, Pope Francis’ body, adorned in traditional papal garments, will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica. Live coverage of the funeral will be offered by The New York Times and prominent U.S. networks such as NBC, CBS, CNN, and ABC, alongside international services like the BBC. For those looking to view the event online, the Vatican’s YouTube channel will provide a live stream.The ceremony will embody a series of longstanding rituals, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals. In a departure from traditional papal funerals, Pope Francis has opted for a streamlined service, favoring simplicity by using a single wooden coffin rather than the customary three. Following the Mass, his remains will be laid to rest at the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, fulfilling his personal wish for a modest grave featuring only the name "Franciscus."In a further tribute, churches throughout Rome will hold special Masses in his memory for nine consecutive days after the funeral. Attendees will include influential figures like President Trump, UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Presidents Javier Milei of Argentina and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, among others, reflecting the extensive impact Pope Francis had on the Catholic community and the world stage.
