Grief for Pope Francis: Millions of believers say goodbye to Rome!

Grief for Pope Francis: Millions of believers say goodbye to Rome!

on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died at the age of 88. His death triggered grief worldwide and triggered a wave of condolences. From today, April 23, 2025, believers have the opportunity to say goodbye to St. Peter's Basilica. The coffin of the late Pope is laid out in the open state for three days until the funeral service will take place on Friday.

top international politicians have announced their coming to the funeral service. Among them are US President Donald Trump, the President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will also be present. For the event, tens of thousands of people are expected in St. Peter's Basilica, whereby the attitude takes place without a large pomp.

the farewell and the burial

The coffin will be brought to St. Peter's Basilica by the chapel in the Santa Marta residence on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. Previously, a service takes place at 11:00 a.m. before the doors are opened to the believers. Pope Francis is laid out in a simple wooden coffin, without papal bishops. So far, only a few personalities, including spa members and Italy's President Sergio Mattarella, have said goodbye.

The burial of the Pope will take place in the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore outside of the Vatican. In the meantime, Rome and the security authorities prepare for a rush of believers and state guests. According to estimates, around one million tourists are currently in Rome. The busy organization is supported by the authorities to ensure the security and the smooth running of the events.

prospects for the pope election

The conclave for the election of the new Pope is expected in early May. 135 cardinals under 80 are currently entitled to vote, but two have canceled for health reasons. The procedure for the election of the new Pope is determined by a "sedis vacancy" that goes hand in hand with the death of a Pope. During this time, the Cardinal College is responsible for the Catholic Church.

The choice of a new Pope can take place at the earliest on the 15th day after the start of the sedis vacancy. The conclave begins with a Holy Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, followed by the cardinals into the Sistine chapel, where they are shielded from the outside world. In order to ensure transparency and confidentiality, the cardinals must not communicate or consume media. When choosing, use secret ballots and the results are signaled by white or black smoke.

The choice is considered crucial for the future orientation of the Catholic Church. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the first Latin American Pope, was elected in 2013 and experienced numerous challenges. His choice was the result of a merger of several cardinals, which underlines the influence of American cardinals. In this upcoming choice, it is crucial whether a broad basis for supporting one of the candidates can be made again.