Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, was laid to rest in the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome on April 25, 2025, following his passing at the age of 88.
The funeral, attended by world leaders, cardinals, and thousands of faithful, marked the end of a papacy defined by humility, social justice, and efforts to reform the Church. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, succumbed to complications from a respiratory illness, having been in critical condition for several days prior to his death.
The choice of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica for his burial reflects his deep personal devotion to the site, where he often prayed during his papacy. The funeral mass, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, was held in St. Peter’s Square, with an estimated 1.2 million people gathered in Rome to pay their respects.
In his will, Pope Francis requested a simple burial, eschewing the traditional papal tomb in St. Peter’s Basilica. His papacy, which began in 2013, was notable for its emphasis on mercy, environmental stewardship, and outreach to marginalized communities. Tributes poured in from global leaders, with U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron among those praising his legacy. The College of Cardinals is now preparing for a conclave to elect a new pope, expected to convene within two weeks, as the Catholic Church navigates a period of transition.