The Funeral And Casket Details of Pope Francis

The Life and Legacy of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, became the 266th pontiff and the first Jesuit and Latin American pope. Elected in 2013, he was revered for his humility, progressive stance on global issues, and efforts to reform the Church. His legacy includes championing the poor, protecting the environment (Laudato Si’), and advocating for global peace and dialogue (Reuters).

Pope Francis Death Announcement

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. local time at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City. According to the Vatican statement, he died of a cerebral stroke that led to cardiocirculatory collapse (CNN). The announcement was delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.

Pope Francis Funeral and Burial Details

In keeping with his minimalist values, Pope Francis had planned his own funeral in advance. According to Reuters:

• Casket: He will be buried in a zinc-lined wooden casket, not the traditional triple coffin.

• Viewing: His body will not be elevated on a platform but will remain in the coffin with the lid removed.

• Funeral Location: A papal funeral Mass will be held in St. Peter’s Square, expected to be attended by global dignitaries.

• Burial Site: He will be laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, making him the first pope in over a century to be buried outside St. Peter’s Basilica.

Related Reading: Pope Franics's Health

The Casket of Pope Francis: A Final Symbol of Humility

Pope Francis’s casket is a powerful, symbolic choice—one that reflects the very essence of his papacy. As reported by Reuters, the pope explicitly requested a single, zinc-lined wooden coffin, breaking away from the opulence of traditional papal burials.

Unlike the triple-layered coffins used in previous papal funerals—cypress wood, sealed in lead, then enclosed in oak—Francis's casket will consist of just one layer of plain, untreated wood, lined with zinc for preservation. This was not only a departure from ritual but a deliberate spiritual statement: humility in life, humility in death.

The wood chosen is believed to be cypress, known for its durability and simplicity. It will bear no gold trim, no ornate embellishments, and no papal crest carved into the surface. Instead, the design honors his lifelong rejection of luxury, echoing his decision to reside in a modest guesthouse instead of the lavish Apostolic Palace during his pontificate.

This casket, both in material and meaning, embodies Pope Francis’s teachings—service over status, people over protocol. It’s not just a container; it’s a message to the world: that even the most powerful religious figure on Earth bows to simplicity, reminding us that spiritual wealth far outweighs worldly possessions.

It will lie in St. Peter’s Basilica briefly before being transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where Pope Francis will be buried, fulfilling yet another one of his final wishes.

Related Reading: Pope Francis Casket: His Final Wish for Simplicity

Global Leaders, Eulogies & Attendees

Confirmed and expected attendees include:

• President Sergio Mattarella of Italy

• President Emmanuel Macron of France

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who called Francis “a messenger of hope, humility, and humanity” (Reuters)

While the list of eulogies has not been released, tributes are expected from leading cardinals and interfaith representatives. A massive public vigil continues outside St. Peter’s Basilica, with mourners traveling globally to pay respects.

Public Reaction and Worldwide Mourning

As news of Pope Francis's death spread, tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, while churches around the world held simultaneous Masses. Fans left handwritten notes, flowers, and rosaries. Social platforms trended with hashtags like #PopeFrancis, #RestInPeaceHolyFather, and #ThankYouFrancis (CNN).

From the slums of Buenos Aires to cathedrals in Europe, the world has been united in mourning.

Legacy of Pope Francis

• First Jesuit pope

• First non-European pope in over 1,200 years

• Vocal advocate for climate action, refugee rights, and social justice

• Broke barriers by addressing LGBTQ+ inclusion and financial corruption in the Church

His decision to be buried simply—eschewing luxury—was not an act of symbolism, but of integrity. As America Magazine highlighted, he had written about wanting to be “remembered simply—as a servant of peace.”

Conclusion

Pope Francis’s final journey is as profound as his life. From the wooden casket to his burial at St. Mary Major, every choice he made was a final sermon—about humility, humanity, and serving others. As the Church and world say goodbye, his legacy remains eternal in the hearts of millions.