Pope Francis funeral details and legacy
Londoners have been quietly reflecting this week as the world comes to terms with the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The Pope Francis funeral, taking place in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, draws the curtain on a papacy that touched millions in ways both traditional and unexpected.
The funeral of Pope Francis has captured wide attention. In keeping with his final wishes, Francis will not be buried in the Vatican’s grottoes like many of his predecessors. Instead, his resting place will be the St. Mary Major Basilica, a deeply personal choice that reflects his devotion to the Salus Populi Romani icon of the Virgin Mary, housed within the basilica. This final act mirrors the humility that shaped so much of his leadership.
The sealing of the coffin followed age-old traditions the night before the funeral. Alongside Francis’ body, a bag containing coins minted during his 12-year papacy was placed into the coffin, along with a formal document known as a rogito, a written record of his time as pope. Carefully rolled into a metal cylinder, it symbolises a legacy now sealed into history. The zinc coffin, wrapped in a wooden one, bears his personal papal coat of arms.
Heads of state and dignitaries from across the world are expected to attend the funeral, including President Trump, President Zelenskyy, and French President Macron. Prince William will represent the UK at the service, joining others like German President Steinmeier and European Council President António Costa in paying respects. London itself has seen quiet tributes spring up across communities, with many churches preparing special Masses of remembrance.
Pope Francis, who became the first Latin American pontiff in the Catholic Church’s two-thousand-year history, leaves behind a complex and lasting impact. His choice to live modestly in the Vatican’s Domus Santa Marta, to wear his old orthopaedic shoes rather than traditional papal finery, and to place climate change, poverty, and refugee crises at the centre of his mission made him a singular figure on the world stage. Those wishing to learn more about the symbols of his papacy can explore the official Vatican website.
The funeral also marks the beginning of the traditional nine-day mourning period known as the novemdiales. Following that, attention will turn to the conclave – the closed-door process where cardinals under the age of 80 will gather to elect the next pope. While any Catholic man could theoretically be chosen, in reality the new pope will almost certainly be selected from among the cardinals. A two-thirds majority is required, and the election process will culminate with the famous white or black smoke signals.
Films like Conclave have given many a taste of the ritual and drama surrounding the election, but real-life Vatican proceedings are steeped more in solemnity than in Hollywood storytelling. Although the timeline for the next conclave has yet to be confirmed, there is growing speculation that Francis’ influence on the College of Cardinals will shape the future direction of the Church, suggesting continuity rather than sudden change.
As Londoners gather in churches or reflect quietly, it’s worth remembering how Pope Francis made faith and public life feel personal again. Whether championing environmental protection, welcoming migrants, or encouraging more open conversations around previously divisive issues, his papacy invited dialogue across lines of belief and nationality.
For more updates on the funeral of Pope Francis and further insights into world and London events, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
[Image Credit | AP News]
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