Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Global Farewell Set for Saturday at the Vatican

Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, following a stroke. His death has plunged the Catholic world into mourning and set into motion the traditional rites that accompany the passing of a pontiff. The funeral will take place this Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, under heavy security and with the presence of numerous world leaders.

Images of the late pope’s coffin, now resting in his Vatican residence, have been released. The casket will be transferred in a solemn procession to St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the public mourning period.

A Simple Farewell, in Line with the Pope’s Wishes

As outlined in his testament, Pope Francis requested a modest funeral. The cardinal camerlengo, American Kevin Farrell, is now managing Church affairs and the funeral preparations until a new pope is elected. A solemn requiem mass will be celebrated on Friday evening at Notre-Dame de Paris, followed by a night of prayer and adoration.

Dignitaries from Around the Globe to Attend

Dozens of heads of state and dignitaries have confirmed their attendance, echoing the global homage paid during Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005. French President Emmanuel Macron, U.S. former President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Argentine President Javier Milei will all be present. The royal families of Spain and the United Kingdom will also be represented — with Prince William attending on behalf of King Charles III.

In France, the Prime Minister’s office has announced that national flags will be flown at half-mast on Saturday. Italy, meanwhile, has declared five days of national mourning.

The Conclave Ahead: Who Will Succeed Pope Francis?

Following the funeral, attention will turn to the conclave. Of the 135 cardinals eligible to vote (those under 80 years old), five are French. Pope Francis, known for reshaping the College of Cardinals by appointing figures from often-overlooked regions, has left a more diverse and globally representative electorate.

Among the potential successors — the so-called papabili — are Pietro Parolin, current Secretary of State of the Vatican, and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Sweden, despite speculation, has downplayed his chances. Another name frequently cited is the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who praised Francis for his personal commitment to Gaza and the marginalized.

Tributes Worldwide

Tributes continue to pour in. At the Cathedral of Saint-Denis in Réunion, President Macron joined an interfaith group for a moment of reflection. In Rome, the atmosphere is one of deep mourning: the pope’s image is displayed in churches and homes, while the city’s souvenir shops have been overwhelmed with demand.

In Poland, a day of national mourning has been declared for Saturday, and President Andrzej Duda will travel to Rome to pay his respects.

One of the pope’s final public appearances came just a day before his death, when he toured St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile following the Easter Mass. His last known words, reported by Vatican News, were to his nurse: “Thank you for helping me get back to the square.”