With clear blue skies and temperatures in the high-50s, a perfect day for the world to bid farewell to Pope Francis drew estimates of 1 million people to St. Peter’s Square April 26 to witness the funeral rites for the pontiff, who died April 21 at age 88.
Remembering Pope Francis
Pope Francis died April 21, 2025. See below for full coverage from the Catholic Review, Catholic News Service and OSV News.
Homily for the funeral Mass of Pope Francis
The English translation of the prepared text of the homily, delivered in Italian by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican April 26, 2025.
Poor and powerful pray for eternal repose of a pope ‘with an open heart’
Pope Francis was “a pope among the people, with an open heart toward everyone,” said Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, as he presided over the funeral of the pope, who died April 21 at the age of 88.
Rome’s needy bid farewell to pope who lifted them up from misery
The poor, Cardinal Krajewski confirmed, will also be present on the footsteps of the Basilica of St. Mary Major where Francis will be buried April 26 following the funeral Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Convicted Cardinal Becciu’s presence in conclave is open question
Whether Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who relinquished the rights associated with being a cardinal after he was forced to resign in 2020, will be able to enter the conclave to elect a new pope is an ongoing question.
Top contenders for papacy after Pope Francis at a glance
The pre-conclave gatherings give an opportunity for cardinals to emerge as possible papal candidates as the cardinals discuss the issues facing the church and qualities desired in the next pope. The following figures are potential contenders to become the 267th successor of St. Peter.
Father Zollner: Listening to victims a trademark of Pope Francis’ pontificate
One of the world’s top experts on clerical sexual abuse, Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, said Pope Francis will be remembered as a pontiff who made listening to victims of abuse one of the trademarks of his pontificate — a habit that made him a model for other bishops and leaders in the church.
A way with words: Pope Francis wove vivid metaphors
Teaching high school literature before and after becoming a priest, Pope Francis possessed an extensive background in the themes and devices in literature and cinema.
Synods and synodality: Pope Francis’ method, vision for church
While Pope Francis often bucked formality and sidestepped some offices of the Roman Curia, one institution he believed in deeply was the Synod of Bishops and — even more — the notion of “synodality.”
He gave a face to the faceless: Francis is remembered as the pope of the poor
In the last years of his papacy, the world saw the more serious, concerned and suffering face of Pope Francis. But with one group he was always beaming, always smiling and always cheerful: the poor.
Baltimore bunting for late pope has personal touch
Catholic churches around the world have draped black bunting around their doors as a symbol of mourning the April 21 death of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis a reflection of Christ’s tenderness, mercy
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, radiated the deep joy of one who truly believed in the Resurrection. His smile, simplicity, and sense of humor made him not only a beloved spiritual father but also a reflection of the risen Christ’s tenderness and mercy.