Vatican Mourns as Pope Francis Dies; Public Viewing Begins April 23
Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that he died at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Vatican City. The cause of death was a cerebral stroke leading to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. He had been suffering from multiple health issues, including pneumonia, bronchiectasis, hypertension, and type II diabetes.
Public Viewing and Funeral Arrangements
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica from April 23 to April 25, allowing the faithful to pay their respects. The public viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m. local time on April 23.
The funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the ceremony, which will include the Ultima commendatio and Valedictio rites.
Burial Plans
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope in over a century not to be interred in St … Peter’s Basilica. He requested a simple burial without the traditional triple coffin, opting instead for a basic wooden coffin lined with zinc.
Global Attendance and Security Measures
The funeral is expected to draw over 170 foreign delegations and approximately 200,000 mourners. Dignitaries including former U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are anticipated to attend. Heightened security measures, including no-fly zones and anti-terror alerts, are being implemented to ensure the safety of attendees.
Legacy and Mourning
Pope Francis was known for his humility, dedication to the poor, and advocacy for peace. His death has initiated the traditional nine-day mourning period known as Novendiale. Catholic communities worldwide are holding memorials to honor his legacy.
For more stories and insights, visit It’s On
Instagram:@itson.ie
TikTok videos and information:@itson.ie
Share this content:
