What does it truly mean to witness the end of an era, the passing of a spiritual leader who touched the lives of so many? Today, the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, a pontiff whose life and ministry were defined by humility, compassion, and a profound connection to the marginalized.
A wave of sorrow washes over the globe as news of his passing spreads. In Rome, preparations are underway for the final farewell, a ceremony steeped in tradition and symbolism. A group of the poor and needy will welcome Pope Franciss body at St. Mary Major, a gesture echoing the late pontiff's commitment to the most vulnerable members of society. It is a poignant beginning to a day that will culminate in his burial, a moment that will surely be watched and remembered by millions.
The funeral mass of Pope Francis has concluded, and the cardinals have returned to St. Peter's Basilica. From there, the procession will move to the popemobile, a familiar sight, as it makes its way across Rome to his final resting place within St. Peter's Basilica. The crowd gathered today bids farewell to Pope Francis, a scene that has been replayed for centuries with each passing pope, a testament to the enduring legacy of the papacy. The solemnity is palpable, the air thick with grief and reverence, as faithful from around the world reflect on the life and teachings of a man who guided the Catholic Church for over a decade.
In the United States, coverage of the funeral mass will be available on EWTN's YouTube channel, with coverage beginning at 2:30 a.m. As the world remembers the late Pope, the event will be widely attended and viewed. The funeral service itself, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, will commence at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. Many prominent global figures and politicians will be present to pay their respects.
The impact of Pope Francis extends far beyond Vatican City. In Buenos Aires, his native city, the local community honors their hometown priest with a special mass. Before he became Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergoglio served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, a position he held with great dedication. The solemnity will be observed, as a beautiful service honoring his legacy, a testament to his profound influence on the city. Throughout the day, the French Quarter, in New Orleans, witnessed a special mass dedicated to Pope Francis, which began around noon.
The world will remember Pope Francis for his simplicity, his humility, and his dedication to the poor. He chose his papal name to honor Saint Francis of Assisi, a figure renowned for his love of nature and commitment to serving the less fortunate. His papacy, marked by a constant call for social justice, environmental stewardship, and interreligious dialogue, will continue to inspire generations to come.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | (Details would be included upon the release of official information) |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Previous Position | Archbishop of Buenos Aires |
| Education | Master's degree in Chemistry, studies in philosophy and theology |
| Notable Actions/Focus | Emphasis on social justice, environmental protection (Laudato si'), reform of the Curia, outreach to the marginalized. |
| Key Teachings | Emphasis on mercy, compassion, and solidarity with the poor; Dialogue with other faiths, and promotion of peace. |
| Feast day | (To be determined) |
| Reference | Vatican Official Website |
Beyond the immediate grief, there is a practical aspect to consider. For those unable to attend the funeral in person, a livestream will be available through a dedicated website, ensuring that anyone can participate in the memorial. The Papal Mass in Singapore, and similar events around the world, serves as a reminder of the universal nature of faith and the widespread impact of Pope Francis's message. The world can view the coverage through various channels to witness the final moments of Pope Francis's earthly journey. The mass on the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., a significant event in its own right, honoring the Virgin Mary and setting a tone of reverence and reflection.
The news from the Vatican includes the upcoming events. Pope Francis's main activities and important Vatican events will be available right here, and the channel, which opened on December 16th, 2017, is updated daily. This includes the celebrations and events of great importance for the Catholic community.
In a related development, on Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m., a solemn mass for Pope Francis will be offered at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Rochester. Also, for anyone interested in the news, updates can be found in the newsletters, mobile apps, and enewspaper archives.
Vatican City, March 23, 2025 / 06:22 am. Pope Francis was admitted to Romes Gemelli Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis. For the latest news, follow here, as the world is witness to the opening of the holy door. Also, you can read world news here: Pope Francis presides over Christmas Eve mass at the Vatican, starting with the opening of the holy door.
The legacy of Pope Francis is one of profound love, social action, and spiritual leadership. From the beginning of his papacy, he has reached out to those at the margins and challenged the world to build a more just and equitable society. He has called upon each one of us to be a force for change. As the world mourns his death and reflects on his life, his impact will be felt for generations to come. And finally, it is our duty to remember and uphold the teachings of Pope Francis.
