Pope Francis Funeral: Watch Live Coverage & Latest Updates
Did the world truly understand the profound impact of Pope Francis? His death marks the end of an era, a pontificate defined by both radical reforms and unwavering traditionalism, leaving an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the global stage.
The passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21st, at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, has triggered a wave of global mourning and reflection. The news, confirmed by the Holy See Press Office, marked the conclusion of a papacy that was both celebrated and scrutinized, a period of significant change and enduring controversy within the Roman Catholic Church. The world now turns its gaze to the Vatican, preparing for the solemn rituals that will follow, and the critical decisions that lie ahead.
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2024, Vatican City |
| Age at Death | 88 |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Education | Master in Chemistry, Philosophy |
| Religious Order | Jesuit |
| Ordained as Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Ordained as Bishop | June 27, 1992 |
| Appointed Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Pontificate | March 13, 2013 April 21, 2024 |
| Known For | Humility, Outreach, Reforms, Focus on Social Justice, Environmental Concerns |
| Notable Actions | Reaching out to marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community and immigrants; advocating for environmental protection; reforming the Vatican's financial practices; promoting interfaith dialogue. |
| Motto | Miserando atque eligendo (Having mercy, he called him) |
| Reference | Vatican Website - Pope Francis |
The announcement of Pope Francis' death set in motion a series of events, starting with the confirmation by the Holy See and the subsequent preparations for his funeral. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Basilica, as announced by the Vatican on Tuesday after a meeting of the College of Cardinals. ABC News will provide live coverage of the funeral, starting at 3:30 a.m. ET on ABC stations and streaming on ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. The world will have a chance to witness the final farewell to the pontiff, a moment anticipated with both solemnity and historical significance.
The circumstances surrounding Pope Francis' final days were marked by both public displays of faith and periods of intense medical care. On Sunday, the last time he was seen publicly, he delivered the traditional Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. Prior to this, in late February 2025, Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, the Pope's vicar general of the Diocese of Rome, led prayers for the Pope in the St. John Lateran Basilica in Rome, where the Pope had been admitted to Romes Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic and was in critical condition. His health had been a cause for concern; he had been treated for pneumonia, and in the final days, the Vatican confirmed he had passed away due to a stroke and heart failure.
The legacy of Pope Francis is multifaceted, a complex tapestry woven with threads of both profound compassion and sharp criticism. He was the first pope from the Americas, born in Argentina, and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church. He chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, a choice that immediately signaled a focus on humility, poverty, and care for the environment. These values became central to his papacy.
His papacy was notable for its efforts to reach out to marginalized communities. He championed the rights of immigrants and refugees, offered words of comfort to the LGBTQ+ community, and consistently spoke out against social injustice. He implemented reforms within the Vatican, seeking to address financial transparency and promote a more collegial approach to governance. These reforms, however, were met with resistance from some quarters within the Church, particularly those who held more conservative views.
Pope Franciss tenure also brought forth significant changes in the Church's liturgical practices. In April 2024, he approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the funeral mass. The second edition of the "Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis" introduces new elements, including how the pope's mortal remains are to be handled after death. His commitment to updating and adapting the Church's practices reflects a desire to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
The reactions to Pope Franciss death have been varied, reflecting the diverse impact of his papacy. Many in the U.S. felt a deep personal connection to him, recognizing him as the first pope from the Americas. For many, the news was deeply personal. The global tributes have highlighted his efforts to promote peace, understanding, and dialogue across different cultures and faiths.
The Vatican itself is preparing for a period of mourning and transition. The College of Cardinals has convened to begin the process of electing a new pope. As the Church moves forward, it faces the task of grappling with the many complex issues that characterized Pope Franciss papacy, including his reforms, his social justice advocacy, and the ongoing challenges of the modern world.
News outlets around the world have been providing extensive coverage of the events. NBC News' Erin McLaughlin has been sharing the highlights of the pontiff's life and legacy. Vatican News and the Catholic News Agency, a service of EWTN News, have been providing updates and information on the daily activities of Pope Francis, the Vatican, and the Catholic Church. Coverage of the funeral and the subsequent process of electing a new pope are anticipated to continue to dominate the headlines in the coming weeks.
One of the most distinctive features of Pope Franciss papacy was his deep connection with ordinary people. His emphasis on personal interaction and his down-to-earth style made him a relatable figure to many. Stories abound of him greeting people, calling those in need, and showing a genuine interest in the lives of others. Viviana Pane, reflecting on his impact, shared how Pope Francis was like a grandfather or a father as she lined up to enter St. Peters Basilica to pay her respects.
The challenges and controversies of Pope Franciss papacy are just as significant as its accomplishments. He faced criticism from traditionalists within the Church who disagreed with his approach to certain theological issues. He addressed the bishops of the United States on Tuesday about the country's ongoing mass deportation of immigrants. His efforts to address issues of sexual abuse within the Church, while appreciated by many, were met with calls for further action.
The Church and the world are now left to assess the impact of the pontiffs reforms, which included attempts to make the Church more inclusive and responsive to the needs of modern society. His efforts to address issues of climate change and social justice have left a lasting mark on the global community. The process of electing his successor will determine whether these reforms continue and how the Catholic Church will engage with the complex issues of the 21st century.
The death of Pope Francis comes at a critical juncture for the Catholic Church. The Church is grappling with declining membership in some regions, scandals of abuse, and internal divisions. The new pope will inherit a Church facing these challenges and will have the opportunity to shape its future direction. The new edition of the liturgical book and the funeral rites also reflects a move to accommodate the changing times.
In the days and weeks ahead, the world will continue to reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis. His death is a moment of transition, a time for both mourning and a reevaluation of his contributions. The coverage from various news organizations will provide further updates and insights. The funeral, the period of mourning, and the election of his successor will all be closely followed.
The impact of Pope Francis on global affairs is undeniable. He addressed the United Nations General Assembly, spoke out on climate change, and traveled to countries around the world, fostering dialogue and promoting peace. His efforts to build bridges with other faiths, particularly with Islam, have been seen as a significant contribution to interreligious understanding.
The funeral of Pope Francis will be a significant event, attracting dignitaries and pilgrims from around the world. The careful planning and execution of the funeral will reflect the respect and reverence with which the Catholic Church honors its leaders. Watch the live coverage on ABC News, as the world joins in remembrance of the man who led the Catholic Church during a period of significant transition and change. The funeral mass will be a solemn occasion.
The world continues to remember Pope Francis. He was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. He rose from a humble childhood in Argentina to become the leader of the worlds largest and most powerful church. He was a reformer from Argentina who rattled the Catholic Churchs traditionalists and inspired progressives by reaching out to gay people and championing the rights of immigrants. Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21. The world is paying tribute to Pope Francis, who rattled the catholic church's conservatives and inspired some progressives, after his death yesterday at age 88.
The death of Pope Francis prompts reflection on several key facts about his papacy. He was the first Latin American and Jesuit pope. Francis was elected the 266th pope, the first Jesuit pope, and the first from Latin America on March 13, 2013. Unlike most of his predecessors, nearly 200 of whom were from Italy, he hails from Argentina. He embraced humility and reached out to people from disparate backgrounds and faiths. Pope Francis, 88, died of a stroke and heart failure, the Vatican said.
