7 Interesting Facts About Pope Francis' Funeral

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following a cerebral stroke and subsequent cardiac complications. His death occurred just hours after delivering an Easter blessing from the Vatican. In accordance with his wishes for simplicity, Pope Francis's funeral was held on April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time in St. Peter's Square, Rome.
Here are some interesting facts about Pope Francis' funeral:
1. First Pope Buried Outside the Vatican in Over 120 Years
-
Pope Francis chose to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore instead of inside St. Peter's Basilica.
-
This was a major break from tradition - the last pope buried outside the Vatican was Pope Leo XIII in 1903!
2. No Triple Coffin
-
Traditionally, popes are buried in three coffins (wood, lead, and wood again), symbolizing mortality, preservation, and respect.
-
Francis opted for a simple, single wooden casket, lined with zinc - reflecting his lifelong humility.
3. He Rewrote His Own Funeral Plans
-
In 2024, Pope Francis personally updated the Vatican's funeral protocols to simplify the ceremonies.
-
His instructions emphasized prayer, simplicity, and charity over pomp and tradition.
4. A Massive Global Audience
-
Over 250,000 people attended the funeral in St. Peter's Square.
-
Millions more watched globally - especially across Latin America, where he was beloved as the first Latin American pope.
5. Unexpected Attendees
-
Political leaders from all sides of global tensions attended: Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron, Volodymyr Zelensky, and even the Prince of Wales.
-
It became a rare moment of global unity and respect.
6. Very Few Family Members
-
Only his nephew, Mauro Bergoglio, attended.
-
His sister, Maria Elena, was too ill to travel, and some relatives had distanced themselves from Church matters, respecting his wishes for a modest, private family presence.
7. Burial Items
-
Inside his coffin, Pope Francis requested just a simple rosary and copies of his papal documents - no expensive relics or regalia.
Tags : pope francis Pope Francis funeral 7 Interesting Facts about Pope Francis's Funeral
Hot Trends
-
Michael Tait Accused of Watching Woman Raped During Newsboys Tour
-
Newsboys Dropped From Label Amid Michael Tait Scandal
-
Michael Tait Faces Additional Allegations from 6 More Men, Including Two Minors
-
TobyMac Accused of Dabbling with Satanic Occult
-
Cory Asbury Speaks Out: "Everyone Knew" About Michael Tait Allegations
-
Joe L. Barnes Announces Engagement to Lauren Scott
-
Newsboys' Michael Tait Joins Capital Chuch for their 37th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Big Freedia Announces Debut Gospel Album, "Pressing Onward," Out Aug. 8th
-
Third Day “Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship” Album Review
-
K-LOVE Removes Music by Newsboys and DC Talk Following Allegations Against Michael Tait
-
NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart Responds to Brother’s Allegations, Reveals Shared Childhood Trauma
-
Michael & Leah Cochren Announce Pregnancy After Years of Waiting
-
Kevin Max Explains Audio Adrenaline Departure in Open Letter (Read Here)
-
Here Are Lyrics to Passion's "The Lord Will Provide"
Most Popular
-
Michael Tait Accused of Watching Woman Raped During Newsboys Tour
-
Newsboys Dropped From Label Amid Michael Tait Scandal
-
Michael Tait Faces Additional Allegations from 6 More Men, Including Two Minors
-
TobyMac Accused of Dabbling with Satanic Occult
-
Cory Asbury Speaks Out: "Everyone Knew" About Michael Tait Allegations
-
Joe L. Barnes Announces Engagement to Lauren Scott
-
Newsboys' Michael Tait Joins Capital Chuch for their 37th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Big Freedia Announces Debut Gospel Album, "Pressing Onward," Out Aug. 8th
-
Third Day “Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship” Album Review
-
K-LOVE Removes Music by Newsboys and DC Talk Following Allegations Against Michael Tait
-
NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart Responds to Brother’s Allegations, Reveals Shared Childhood Trauma
-
Michael & Leah Cochren Announce Pregnancy After Years of Waiting
-
Kevin Max Explains Audio Adrenaline Departure in Open Letter (Read Here)
-
Here Are Lyrics to Passion's "The Lord Will Provide"