Pope Francis, who traveled extensively during his papacy to promote messages of humility and inclusiveness, passed away on April 21, 2025, and was honored with a substantial funeral procession in Rome. Despite his advocacy for modesty, his funeral drew a larger crowd than that of his predecessor, with thousands of mourners, including dignitaries, gathering in St. Peter’s Square. The event reflected his efforts to democratize the church, with clergy from various ranks participating in the ceremony. His coffin, simple and adorned with an open Gospel, was carried by pallbearers and transported by the popemobile through the streets of Rome. Pope Francis was ultimately laid to rest in a private ceremony at the papal basilica of St. Mary Major, with his tomb inscribed simply with the word 'Franciscus.'

Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, was known for his extensive travels, visiting countries across five continents to spread messages of peace and humility, including significant visits to places like Lampedusa, Bolivia, and Iraq.

His declining health saw his activities become more centralized around the Vatican until his death on April 21, 2025, after which Vatican officials prepared for his final journey—a funeral procession to his burial site.

The funeral, larger in scale than that of his predecessor Benedict XVI, saw dignitaries and church groups filling St. Peter's Square, with a diverse clergy participating in the service, reflecting Francis's efforts to create a more inclusive and less hierarchical church.

The procession included a stop at St. Peter’s Square, where the pope’s coffin was displayed for the public, marked by a somber atmosphere as cardinals prepared for the conclave to elect the next pope.

Security measures were heightened in Rome with thousands of police officers, and the faithful gathered from the early hours, some even spending the night outside in anticipation of the ceremony.

The pope’s coffin, described as simple with an open Gospel placed upon it, was carried by fourteen pallbearers to the steps of the basilica, symbolizing the humility and simplicity that characterized his papacy.

Pope Francis was buried in a private ceremony at the papal basilica of St. Mary Major, with his tomb marked simply with 'Franciscus,' underscoring his lifelong commitment to modesty and simplicity.