The world says goodbye to Pope Francis - the funeral of the pontiff who changed the face of the Catholic Church

The burial ceremony of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, starting at 10 a.m. local time (11 a.m. - Romanian time) according to the official announcement made yesterday by the Vatican. The funeral will take place in St. Peter's Square, and the ceremony will be officiated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. The faithful will be able to say goodbye to the former pontiff starting today, April 23, when the lifeless body of Pope Francis will be exhibited in St. Peter's Basilica, in Rome, according to the cited source.

Pope Francis will be buried, according to his will written in 2022, in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a place of profound spiritual significance for him, where he used to pray before and after each apostolic journey, Vatican News reports. The former pontiff stated in the document that he wanted his funeral to be simple, with a grave in the ground, without ornaments, bearing only the inscription "Franciscus". Pope Francis stated that all funeral costs would be covered by an anonymous benefactor, according to the instructions left by the pontiff, with the amount being transferred to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Pope Francis' burial in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, according to his own wishes, represents a significant departure from tradition, highlighting the humility and simplicity that have characterized his entire life and ministry.

Several European and global leaders have already announced their participation in the funeral of the former pontiff, including - according to Reuters - Donald Trump - US President, Emmanuel Macron - French President, Ursula von der Leyen - European Commission President, Volodymyr Zelensky - Ukrainian President, Javier Miel - Argentine President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva - Brazilian President, Ilie Bolojan - Romanian Interim President. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, announced that he will not be present at the funeral, his absence being consistent with the fact that there is an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, an institution also recognized by Italy, against the name of the Kremlin leader.

We recall that Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in the Vatican. The cause of death was a stroke, followed by irreversible cardiac arrest, amid pre-existing conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

After the nine days of mourning since the Pope's death, during which daily religious ceremonies will be held in memory of the former pontiff, the College of Cardinals will meet to organize the conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff. Although the process is deeply spiritual and secret, several names of cardinals are being circulated as possible successors. According to Reuters, the main candidates for the papal succession are the following:

- Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67 years old), who is considered a favorite to continue the progressive direction of Pope Francis. He is seen as a bridge to Asia, especially China, and could become the first Asian pope;

- Peter Turkson (Ghana, 76 years old), former prefect of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. He is known for his commitment to social and environmental issues. If elected, he would be the first African pope in history;

- Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70), Vatican Secretary of State, experienced diplomat, considered a consensus candidate. However, his involvement in several financial scandals could affect his chances, according to the cited source;

- Peter Erdo (Hungary, 72), Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, conservative theologian, known for his traditionalist views, including opposition to same-sex marriage;

- Juan Jose Omella (Spain, 79), Archbishop of Barcelona, who has dedicated his church career to pastoral care, promoting social justice and embodying a compassionate and inclusive vision of Catholicism;

- Mario Grech (Malta, 68), Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops. Although initially viewed as a conservative, Grech became a supporter of the reforms promoted by Pope Francis within the Church;

- Matteo Zuppi (Italy, 69), Archbishop of Bologna, associated with the Sant'Egidio movement, known for his work in the field of peace and interreligious dialogue;

- Jean-Marc Aveline (France, 66), Archbishop of Marseille, appreciated for his efforts in promoting interreligious dialogue, especially between Christians and Muslims;

- Robert Sarah (Guinea, 79), former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, considered a staunch conservative, who had a tense relationship with the former pontiff;

- Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy, 59), Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, with extensive experience in the Middle East, he is considered a possible surprise candidate.

According to the rules set out in the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, the conclave must begin within 15 to 20 days of the pope's death. Currently, 135 cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. To be elected, a candidate must obtain a two-thirds majority of the votes.

The election of the new pope will reflect the delicate balance between the desire for continuity of the reforms initiated by Pope Francis and the need to address the current challenges of the Catholic Church, including the decline in the number of believers in the West and growth in regions of Asia and Africa.