What's happened
Pope Francis' funeral will be held on April 26, 2025, at St. Peter's Square, following his death from a stroke. The service will be broadcast live on major networks, including BBC and NBC, with world leaders in attendance. His burial will take place at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points of Analysis
- Historical Significance: Pope Francis' choice to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica reflects his commitment to humility and accessibility, diverging from traditional papal practices.
- Global Attention: The funeral is expected to attract significant media coverage and attendance from numerous world leaders, highlighting the pope's global influence.
- Future Implications: The conclave to elect the next pope will likely begin shortly after the funeral, potentially reshaping the direction of the Catholic Church.
- Public Mourning: The nine-day mourning period following the funeral will allow the faithful to reflect on Francis' legacy, which emphasized compassion and social justice.
What the papers say
According to The Scotsman, Pope Francis' funeral will be broadcast live from St. Peter's Square, with coverage starting at 8:30 AM GMT on BBC One. The NY Post notes that the service will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and attended by notable figures, including President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky. The Independent highlights that over 22,000 mourners have already paid their respects, indicating the profound impact Francis had as 'the people's pope.' Each source emphasizes the significance of the event, with varying focuses on the logistics of the broadcast and the expected attendance of world leaders.
How we got here
Pope Francis, aged 88, passed away on Easter Monday after a prolonged illness. His death marks a significant moment in the Catholic Church, as he was the first pope in over a century to choose a burial site outside Vatican City.
Go deeper
- What were Pope Francis' major contributions?
- How will the next pope be chosen?
- What is the significance of his burial site?
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