In brief
Thousands gather in St. Peter’s Square as the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, who championed openness within the Catholic Church during his papacy.
Today, Roman Catholics and dignitaries from around the world are converging upon Vatican City to honor Pope Francis in a funeral service expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees. The first pontiff from Latin America, who died at the age of 88 on Monday, had aimed to create a more inclusive church throughout his 12-year tenure, which endeared him to many. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Square, featuring a blend of solemn rituals and unprecedented simplicity that the pope himself had called for before his passing.The service, attended by more than 150 foreign delegations, will see dignitaries such as former U.S. Presidents Trump and Biden, alongside numerous world leaders and Vatican officials, all paying their respects. Francis' body will be interred in a modest wooden coffin, in line with his wishes to have a humble burial at a favored papal basilica.The day's events promise to be marked not only by the pageantry one might expect of such an occasion but also by an atmosphere of profound humility. Following the Mass, Francis' coffin will travel to St. Mary Major, where a greeting from marginalized people will await him, showcasing the pope’s lifelong dedication to aiding the needy.As both mourners and leaders gather to reflect on his legacy, discussions surrounding the selection of his successor among the College of Cardinals will commence post-burial. This intertwining of reverence for the late pontiff and the intricate politics of the Vatican highlights the unique challenges and transformations that lie ahead for the Catholic Church.
