April 26, 2025 • 21 mins
"Pope's Funeral" is an in-depth exploration of Pope Francis' funeral through the thoughtful lens of Solomon "Sol" Bishop. This 4,000-word narrative weaves together the solemn ceremonies, diplomatic significance, and human elements of the Pope's final farewell. From the protocols and rituals to the surprising moments of controversy—including President Trump's blue suit and impromptu meeting with Zelensky—Sol guides listeners through this historic event with warmth and insight. Beyond the geopolitics, the article captures personal stories of devotion and reflects on Francis' enduring legacy of humility, mercy, and concern for the marginalized. For more enlightening conversations about the sacred dimensions of human experience, visit https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ where you'll discover our full collection of thought-provoking podcasts that explore faith, tradition, and spirituality with the same depth and compassion.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome seekers and wonderers to another episode of Pope's Funeral,
where we explore the sacred threads of humanity's greatest questions.
I'm your host, Solomon, Bishop, and today we're taking a
solemn journey into one of the most significant ceremonies in
the Catholic tradition, the Pope's Funeral. As we speak, preparations
and the funeral are underway for Pope Francis's final farewell,
(00:20):
a moment that draws together not just Catholics, but leaders
and people from across the globe in a shared human
experience of remembrance. Let's explore this profound moment together. The
death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday marked the end
of a remarkable chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.
As the first Latin American pontiff and a figure who
(00:41):
consistently challenged convention throughout his twelve year papacy, his passing
at the age of eighty eight has created ripples that
extend far beyond the walls of Vatican City. The cause
of his death was a stroke that led to irreversible
heart failure, following a series of health challenges that had
increasingly affected him in recent months. His death death certificate,
which the Vatican released shortly after his passing, confirmed these details,
(01:04):
providing a somber medical footnote to the conclusion of his
earthly journey. There's a profound symbolism in Francis departing this
world on Easter Monday, just a day after he had
appeared before the faithful in Saint Peter's Square for the
traditional Easter celebrations. Vatican News reported that Francis had initially
expressed doubts about making this final public appearance given his
poor health, yet he ultimately decided to go ahead with
(01:26):
the blessing and the traditional pope mobile circuit around the square.
Little did anyone know that this would be his final
public moment, a last blessing to the world he had
served with such distinctive character and purpose. The timing echoes
the Easter message itself, the cycle of death and resurrection
that sits at the very heart of Christian belief. The
passing of a pope initiates a sequence of traditions and
(01:46):
protocols that have evolved over centuries, though Francis himself made
some notable adjustments to these customs. True to his reputation
for simplicity and modesty, Francis had revised the Ordo exequiarum
romani on to Fezis, the liturgical book that details the
procedures for papal funerals. Diego Ravelli, master of apostolic ceremonies,
(02:07):
noted that Francis had sought to simplify and adapt the rituals,
creating a funeral that would reflect his identity as a
pastor and disciple of Christ. This pattern of breaking with
tradition to emphasize humility was consistent throughout Francis's papacy. A
pontiff who declined the papal apartments, wore simpler vestments, and
consistently emphasized service over pageantry. The modifications to traditional papal
(02:32):
funeral rites became immediately apparent in the days following Francis's death.
Unlike previous papal deaths, Francis's body was placed immediately inside
his coffin, which was left open to allow people to
pay their respects. The choice of a simple wooden coffin
also departed from the historical practice of using three coffins
made of Cyprus, lead and oak for papal burials. These
(02:55):
changes reflect Francis's lifelong commitment to simplicity and his desire
to connect the papal office more directly with the humble
origins of the Christian faith. The public viewing of Pope
Francis began on Wednesday, April twenty three, with his body
being transferred from the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, where
he died, to Saint Peter's Basilica. The coffin was laid
(03:16):
at the altar of the Confessio, a sacred space near
the basilica's main altar, positioned above the tomb of Saint Peter,
who Catholics believe was the first Pope. This location carries
deep symbolic significance in Catholic tradition, visually connecting Francis with
the Apostolic lineage that stretches back to the foundations of
the church. For three days, the faithful were given the
(03:37):
opportunity to pay their respects to the late pontiff, filing
slowly past his coffin in a solemn procession of remembrance
and gratitude. Saint Peter's Basilica remained open for extended hours
to accommodate the crowds, with the Vatican announcing specific visiting
times from eleven am to midnight on Wednesday, from seven
am to midnight on Thursday, and from seven am to
(03:58):
seven pm on Friday. The logistics of managing these crowds
represents a significant undertaking for Vatican authorities, though the numbers
were expected to be somewhat smaller than for previous papal funerals.
For comparison, when Pope John Paul the Second died in
two thousand and five, and estimated two million mourners came
to view his body according to the Italian Civil Protection Agency,
(04:20):
Even with potentially smaller numbers, the emotional and spiritual significance
of this opportunity to bid farewell to Francis drew people
from around the world. The farewell to Pope Francis culminates
in his funeral mass, scheduled for Saturday, April twenty sixth
at ten am Local time four a m. Eastern time,
in Saint Peter's Square. According to the Vatican's announcement, Cardinal
(04:41):
Giovanni Battista Ray, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will
preside at the mass, which will be con celebrated by patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops,
and priests from across the globe. This reflects another departure
from tradition. Normally, a papal funeral would be presided over
by the new pope, but since the conclave to elect
france successor will not take place until after the funeral,
(05:03):
Cardinal Reed takes on this solemn responsibility. The funeral itself
will be steeped in the rich liturgical traditions of the
Catholic Church, though with the modifications Francis requested. The Vatican
stated that the ceremony will follow the rites laid out
in the Ordo Exequiarum Romani Pontifices, as revised by Francis
last year. The funeral mass will feature readings from Scripture,
(05:25):
including selections that are particularly poignant during the Easter season.
As is customary during Easter, the first reading comes not
from the Old Testament, but from the Acts of the Apostles,
telling the story of the earliest days of the Church.
The Gospel reading comes from the Book of John. These
selections connect the funeral to the broader Eastern narrative of
(05:45):
death and resurrection that is central to Christian faith. The
decision to hold the funeral in Saint Peter's Square, continued
a tradition scene in previous papal funerals. The outdoor setting
allowed approximately two hundred and fifty thousand of the faithful
to fill the open space in front of the basilica,
creating a visual demonstration of the universal Church gathered to
bid farewell to its shepherd. The funeral of a pope
(06:08):
is not merely an internal church affair, but a moment
of global significance, a reminder of the Catholic Church's unique
position as both a spiritual institution and a sovereign entity
with diplomatic relationships throughout the world. These ceremonial occasions have
their own protocols and expectations, from the solemn liturgical elements
to the carefully observed traditions of dress and decorum that
(06:31):
signify respect for the occasion. This global dimension was particularly
evident in the attendance of world leaders at the funeral.
The Vatican Press Office confirmed that one hundred and sixty
four foreign delegations were present at Francis's funeral, including approximately
fifty heads of state and ten reigning sovereigns. A bipartisan
congressional delegation from the United States also attended, led by
(06:54):
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Senator Susan Collins, and
including former Speaker Nancy Pelosia mode others. The list of
attendees read like a roll call of global leadership, with
representatives from nations across continents and across the spectrum of
religious and political affiliations. Among the notable figures in attendance
were US President Donald Trump and First Lady Milania Trump.
(07:15):
In a break with tradition, Trump declined to offer former
President Joe Biden a ride on Air Force one to
the funeral, despite the president set by President George W. Bush,
who had transported former Presidents George H. W. Bush and
Bill Clinton to Pope John Paul the Second's funeral in
two thousand and five. When asked about the possibility of
meeting with Biden during the trip, Trump tersely replied that
it was not high on my list. Biden and doctor
(07:38):
Jill Biden attended separately, a significant presence considering Biden's position
as only the second Catholic president in US history after
John F. Kennedy. European royalty was also well represented at
the funeral. King Felipe the six and Queen Letitia of
Spain were present, while Prince William represented the British royal family,
attending on behalf of his father, King Charles the Third.
(08:01):
Also in attendance were King Philippe and Queen Matilda of
Belgium and Prince Albert of Monaco. The presence of monarchy
alongside elected officials spoke to the unique historical position of
the papacy, which for centuries interacted with European royal houses
as both a spiritual authority and a temporal power. The
funeral also brought together leaders from nations with complex relationships,
(08:23):
providing unexpected moments of diplomatic engagement. In a surprising development,
President Trump met with Ukrainian President Voladimir Zelensky before the
funeral ceremony, with both leaders appearing to engage in substantive discussion.
Trump later posted on his Truth social platform that Ukraine
and Russia were very close to a deal to end
the war, adding that the two sides should now meet
(08:44):
at very high levels to finish it off. Zelensky, who
attended with First Lady Olena Zelenska, described their meeting as
very productive and agreed to speak Further after the service concluded,
the funeral took on additional political dimensions during Cardinal Giovanni
Battista raily, which included what some interpreted as a posthumous
rebuke of Trump's policies. Cardinal Ray quoted Francis's frequent exhortation
(09:07):
to build bridges, not walls, widely understood as a reference
to the contentious border wall policy that had been a
point of friction between Trump and Francis since twenty sixteen.
The two had clashed publicly over immigration policies, with Francis
once suggesting that anyone who thinks only of building walls
and not bridges is not Christian, a comment that had
provoked an angry response from then candidate Trump. Not all
(09:30):
world leaders were present, however, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who
is currently the subject of an international criminal court arrest
warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, did not attend
the funeral. This absence underscored the complex interplay of international law, diplomacy,
and the papal funeral status as a global gathering. Meanwhile,
Trump was seen engaging briefly with other world leaders, including
(09:52):
European Commission President Ursula vonder lyon Estonian and Finnish leaders
and French President Emmanuel Macron during the funeral masses sign
of peace. Security for an event of this magnitude represents
a significant undertaking. Authorities in Rome deployed over two thousand
police officers, including sharpshooters and specialist forces, with an additional
four hundred traffic officers on duty. The airspace over the
(10:15):
capital was closed from midnight on Friday, while undercover anti
terrorism and anti drone officers operated throughout the event. These
measures reflect both the significance of the occasion and the
reality of security concerns in the contemporary world, particularly given
the concentration of global leadership in one location. Beyond the
security diplomatic elements and momentary controversies over protocol and attire,
(10:38):
the funeral of Pope Francis represented something far more profound.
For the Catholic faithful and for many others around the world.
It was a moment of collective grief and remembrance, a
chance to reflect on the life and legacy of a
pope who consistently challenged comfortable assumptions and called for a
church that prioritized mercy, inclusion, and care for the marginalized.
(10:58):
Francis often spoke of the church as a field hospital
for the wounded rather than a fortress of doctrinal purity,
a metaphor that captured his pastoral approach to the papacy.
Some attendees traveled extraordinary distances under difficult circumstances to be present.
One pilgrim from Sardinia told reporters, we left last night
from Cagleiary. It's me, my son and our priest. We
(11:19):
bought our flight at the last minute and couldn't find
anywhere to sleep. We spent the night out here so
we could get close to the altar. Such stories of
sacrifice and devotion underscored the deep personal connection many felt
to Francis, beyond the political and diplomatic significance of his role.
The final journey of Pope Francis after the funeral mass,
carried its own symbolic weight. After the funeral mass, Francis
(11:42):
was buried outside the Vatican in Saint Mary Major Santa
Maria majore A Basilica in Rome. His tombstone was made
of marble from the northern Italian region of Liguria, where
Francis's grandparents were from. Adding a personal touch to his
final resting place. This choice represented another break with recent tradition,
as Francesis his immediate predecessors were interred within Saint Peter's
(12:02):
basilica itself. The selection of Saint Mary Major as his
final resting place reflects Francis's deep devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Throughout his papacy, he frequently visited this basilica, often praying
there before and after his international trips. It was a
place of personal significance to him, and his decision to
be buried there rather than in the more grandiose setting
(12:23):
of Saint Peter's aligns with his lifelong emphasis on simplicity
and his connection to the ordinary faithful. On Friday evening,
the solemn rite of the closing of the Coffin took place.
During this ceremony, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, who serves as the
interim manager of the Vatican until a new Pope is elected,
read the official deed, which was then placed in the coffin.
Some of Pope Francis's family members participated in this intimate ritual,
(12:46):
adding a personal dimension to the formal ecclesiastical proceedings following
this ceremony, a vigil of prayer continued through the night
until preparations began for the funeral mass on Saturday morning.
The coffin's journey through Rome after the funeral mass created
a final opportunity for the city's residents to bid farewell
to Francis. The simple, wooden coffin was transported on the popemobile,
(13:08):
passing iconic landmarks including the Coliseum, as thousands of mourners
lined the route from Saint Peter's Basilica to the Basilica
di Santa Maria Majori. In a particularly poignant touch, reflecting
Francis's lifelong concern for the marginalized, a group of poor
and needy people were present on the steps of the
Basilica to pay their final respects before the interment of
(13:29):
the coffin. This procession through the streets of the Eternal
City connected the formal Vatican ceremonies with the broader community
of Rome, the diocese of which the Pope serves as bishop.
The conclusion of the funeral marks not only the end
of Francis's papacy, but also the beginning of the process
to elect his successor. In accordance with Church law, the
College of cardinals will gather for the papal Conclave, the
(13:51):
centuries old process for selecting a new pope. There are
currently one hundred and thirty six eligible cardinals, though only
one hundred and ten twenty can participate in the conclave
according to church regulations. Before the conclave begins, however, the
cardinals meet in daily general Congregation sessions to address immediate
church business and prepare for the election process. The timing
(14:14):
of the conclave is governed by specific traditions. The official
morning period includes nine days known as the Novendiales, and
the pope must be buried between the fourth and sixth
day after death. The conclave itself will begin between fifteen
and twenty days after the pope's death. This interregnum period
allows time for cardinals from around the world to travel
(14:35):
to Rome and provides a space for reflection before the
momentous decision of selecting the next leader of the world's
one point three billion Catholics. During this interim period, Cardinal
Kevin Ferrell serves as the Camerlengo or Chamberlain, the official
temporarily charged with managing the temporal affairs of the church.
On Friday evening, he presided over the solemn right of
(14:56):
the closing of the coffin, during which he read the
official deed that was then plas in the coffin. Some
of Pope Francis's family members participated in this intimate ritual,
adding a personal dimension to the formal ecclesiastical proceedings. When
first appointed as Camerlengo, Ferrell had recounted his surprise at
receiving a phone call from Pope Francis. My administrative assistant
came in and said, the Pope's on the telephone, and
(15:18):
I felt like saying yeah, yeah, Farrell had shared at
a news conference. Eventually, she did put on the Pope
and he told me that he would like me to
go to Rome because Dallas needed a much better bishop
than I am. This anecdote captures something of Francis's characteristic
humility and gentle humor, qualities that endeared him to many
throughout his papacy. The election of Francis's successor will take
(15:39):
place in an atmosphere influenced by his distinctive approach to
the papacy. Over his twelve years as Pope, Francis consistently
emphasized themes of mercy, environmental stewardship, concern for migrants and refugees,
critique of unbridled capitalism, and outreach to those on the
margins of both church and society. He appointed cardinals who
(16:00):
broadly shared these priorities, potentially influencing the direction of the
Conclave and the future trajectory of the church. The interest
in this process extends well beyond practicing Catholics. In a
telling cultural indication, streams of the Oscar winning movie Conclave
saw a significant increase following the announcement of Pope Francis's death.
The film, which dramatizes the secretive process of electing a
(16:24):
pope amid power struggles among cardinals, received a viewership boost
across streaming platforms, according to entertainment data analytics company Illuminate.
This popular fascination with the Conclave reflects the continuing cultural
significance of the papacy, even in increasingly secular societies. As
the Church moves through these solemn days of mourning and transition,
(16:45):
Francis's homeland of Argentina experiences a particular sense of loss.
Large crowds gathered at Pope Francis's childhood church in Argentina
for special masses, with footage showing congregants holding hands with
each other or clutching photos of the pope as they
sang hymns at the San Jose de Flores Basilica in
Buenos Aires. Some were visibly emotional, wiping away tears as
(17:06):
the city's archbishop led the service. For Argentinians, Francis represented
not just a spiritual leader, but a point of national pride.
As the first pope from Latin America, the connection between
Francis and his homeland extended to unexpected areas of cultural life.
Francis was an outspoken soccer fan and supporter of the
San Lorenzo team. When he was elected pope in twenty thirteen,
(17:27):
the team shared a photo of him holding the club's crest.
He always conveyed his passion for the Cyclone, the team
wrote in a tribute referencing the club's nickname. When he
went to the old Gessometer to watch the forty six team,
When he confirmed Angelito Correa in the chapel of Shiuda Deportiva,
When he received blue and red visits at the Vatican,
always with total joy. This humanizing detail a pope who
(17:48):
maintained his passionate support for his local soccer team speaks
to Francis's authenticity and his continued connection to his roots
despite his global role. Family connections also provide a personal
dimension to the four normal ceremonies of mourning. Sister Anna
Rosa Sivori, the late Pope's second cousin, who serves as
a Silesian nun at a Catholic school in northeastern Thailand,
(18:09):
expressed her deep emotional response to his death. We are relatives,
and I never expected such news so suddenly, she told
journalists in Bangkok. So I ask God to take him
to heaven, and from heaven he will bless us. Having
come to Thailand as a young sister from Argentina in
nineteen sixty six, she had served as a translator during
Francis's twenty nineteen visit to Bangkok and planned to travel
(18:32):
to Italy for his funeral. Her recollections of Francis emphasize
his willingness to speak directly, especially on behalf of the poor,
a characteristic trait throughout his papacy. As the Catholic Church
and the wider world bid farewell to Pope Francis, his
funeral represents more than just the conclusion of a single papacy.
It marks a moment of transition in a two thousand
(18:53):
year old institution that continues to evolve while maintaining connections
to its ancient roots. Francis's legs will undoubtedly shape this evolution,
having pushed the Church toward greater emphasis on mercy, environmental concern,
and solidarity with the marginalized. The funeral itself offers a
glimpse of humanity at its most universal, the shared experience
(19:14):
of loss and remembrance that transcends differences of nationality, politics,
and even religious belief. In the gathering of world leaders,
in the crowds of ordinary faithful, in the solemn rituals
enacted with dignity and reverence, we see an affirmation of
our common human journey through mortality toward whatever lies beyond.
(19:36):
For believers, this ceremony points toward the hope of resurrection.
For all observers, it provides a moment to consider the
impact of a life dedicated to service and the enduring
questions of how we should live in relationship with one another.
As Pope Francis is laid to rest, the Catholic Church
stands at a crossroads facing challenges both ancient and modern,
(19:58):
declining religious practice, intradaytional strongholds, growth in the global South,
internal divisions over reform, and external pressures from an increasingly
secular culture. The direction taken by Francis's successor will significantly
influence how the Church navigates these challenges in the decades
to come. But for now, before that new chapter begins,
(20:18):
the focus remains on honoring the memory of Jorge Mario Bergoglio,
the man who became Pope Francis, and on acknowledging the
distinctive path he charted during his time as the leader
of the Catholic Church. In the quiet aftermath of the funeral,
as the crowds disperse and the cameras turn away, the
legacy of Pope Francis will continue to resonate through the
institution he led and the lives he touched. His emphasis
(20:41):
on mercy, his calls for ecological conversion, his advocacy for
migrants and refugees, his critiques of economic systems that marginalize
the poor. These themes will echo in Catholic social teaching
and in global discourse long after his burial. The simple
wooden coffin may be sealed, but the questions Francis rays
and the challenges he issued remain very much alive, awaiting
(21:03):
the response of succeeding generations. Thank you for listening to
this episode of Pope's Funeral. If you found value in
our exploration of Pope Francis's funeral and the traditions surrounding
this solemn occasion, please subscribe to hear more conversations about
the sacred dimensions of human experience. This has been brought
to you by Quiet Please Podcast networks. For more content
(21:26):
like this, please go to Quiet Please dot ai. Until
next time, I'm Solomon Bishop, wishing you peace on your
own journey of seeking and understanding Quiet. Please dot ai
hear what matters.
Welcome seekers and wonderers to another episode of Pope's Funeral,
where we explore the sacred threads of humanity's greatest questions.
I'm your host, Solomon, Bishop, and today we're taking a
solemn journey into one of the most significant ceremonies in
the Catholic tradition, the Pope's Funeral. As we speak, preparations
and the funeral are underway for Pope Francis's final farewell,
(00:20):
a moment that draws together not just Catholics, but leaders
and people from across the globe in a shared human
experience of remembrance. Let's explore this profound moment together. The
death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday marked the end
of a remarkable chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.
As the first Latin American pontiff and a figure who
(00:41):
consistently challenged convention throughout his twelve year papacy, his passing
at the age of eighty eight has created ripples that
extend far beyond the walls of Vatican City. The cause
of his death was a stroke that led to irreversible
heart failure, following a series of health challenges that had
increasingly affected him in recent months. His death death certificate,
which the Vatican released shortly after his passing, confirmed these details,
(01:04):
providing a somber medical footnote to the conclusion of his
earthly journey. There's a profound symbolism in Francis departing this
world on Easter Monday, just a day after he had
appeared before the faithful in Saint Peter's Square for the
traditional Easter celebrations. Vatican News reported that Francis had initially
expressed doubts about making this final public appearance given his
poor health, yet he ultimately decided to go ahead with
(01:26):
the blessing and the traditional pope mobile circuit around the square.
Little did anyone know that this would be his final
public moment, a last blessing to the world he had
served with such distinctive character and purpose. The timing echoes
the Easter message itself, the cycle of death and resurrection
that sits at the very heart of Christian belief. The
passing of a pope initiates a sequence of traditions and
(01:46):
protocols that have evolved over centuries, though Francis himself made
some notable adjustments to these customs. True to his reputation
for simplicity and modesty, Francis had revised the Ordo exequiarum
romani on to Fezis, the liturgical book that details the
procedures for papal funerals. Diego Ravelli, master of apostolic ceremonies,
(02:07):
noted that Francis had sought to simplify and adapt the rituals,
creating a funeral that would reflect his identity as a
pastor and disciple of Christ. This pattern of breaking with
tradition to emphasize humility was consistent throughout Francis's papacy. A
pontiff who declined the papal apartments, wore simpler vestments, and
consistently emphasized service over pageantry. The modifications to traditional papal
(02:32):
funeral rites became immediately apparent in the days following Francis's death.
Unlike previous papal deaths, Francis's body was placed immediately inside
his coffin, which was left open to allow people to
pay their respects. The choice of a simple wooden coffin
also departed from the historical practice of using three coffins
made of Cyprus, lead and oak for papal burials. These
(02:55):
changes reflect Francis's lifelong commitment to simplicity and his desire
to connect the papal office more directly with the humble
origins of the Christian faith. The public viewing of Pope
Francis began on Wednesday, April twenty three, with his body
being transferred from the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, where
he died, to Saint Peter's Basilica. The coffin was laid
(03:16):
at the altar of the Confessio, a sacred space near
the basilica's main altar, positioned above the tomb of Saint Peter,
who Catholics believe was the first Pope. This location carries
deep symbolic significance in Catholic tradition, visually connecting Francis with
the Apostolic lineage that stretches back to the foundations of
the church. For three days, the faithful were given the
(03:37):
opportunity to pay their respects to the late pontiff, filing
slowly past his coffin in a solemn procession of remembrance
and gratitude. Saint Peter's Basilica remained open for extended hours
to accommodate the crowds, with the Vatican announcing specific visiting
times from eleven am to midnight on Wednesday, from seven
am to midnight on Thursday, and from seven am to
(03:58):
seven pm on Friday. The logistics of managing these crowds
represents a significant undertaking for Vatican authorities, though the numbers
were expected to be somewhat smaller than for previous papal funerals.
For comparison, when Pope John Paul the Second died in
two thousand and five, and estimated two million mourners came
to view his body according to the Italian Civil Protection Agency,
(04:20):
Even with potentially smaller numbers, the emotional and spiritual significance
of this opportunity to bid farewell to Francis drew people
from around the world. The farewell to Pope Francis culminates
in his funeral mass, scheduled for Saturday, April twenty sixth
at ten am Local time four a m. Eastern time,
in Saint Peter's Square. According to the Vatican's announcement, Cardinal
(04:41):
Giovanni Battista Ray, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will
preside at the mass, which will be con celebrated by patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops,
and priests from across the globe. This reflects another departure
from tradition. Normally, a papal funeral would be presided over
by the new pope, but since the conclave to elect
france successor will not take place until after the funeral,
(05:03):
Cardinal Reed takes on this solemn responsibility. The funeral itself
will be steeped in the rich liturgical traditions of the
Catholic Church, though with the modifications Francis requested. The Vatican
stated that the ceremony will follow the rites laid out
in the Ordo Exequiarum Romani Pontifices, as revised by Francis
last year. The funeral mass will feature readings from Scripture,
(05:25):
including selections that are particularly poignant during the Easter season.
As is customary during Easter, the first reading comes not
from the Old Testament, but from the Acts of the Apostles,
telling the story of the earliest days of the Church.
The Gospel reading comes from the Book of John. These
selections connect the funeral to the broader Eastern narrative of
(05:45):
death and resurrection that is central to Christian faith. The
decision to hold the funeral in Saint Peter's Square, continued
a tradition scene in previous papal funerals. The outdoor setting
allowed approximately two hundred and fifty thousand of the faithful
to fill the open space in front of the basilica,
creating a visual demonstration of the universal Church gathered to
bid farewell to its shepherd. The funeral of a pope
(06:08):
is not merely an internal church affair, but a moment
of global significance, a reminder of the Catholic Church's unique
position as both a spiritual institution and a sovereign entity
with diplomatic relationships throughout the world. These ceremonial occasions have
their own protocols and expectations, from the solemn liturgical elements
to the carefully observed traditions of dress and decorum that
(06:31):
signify respect for the occasion. This global dimension was particularly
evident in the attendance of world leaders at the funeral.
The Vatican Press Office confirmed that one hundred and sixty
four foreign delegations were present at Francis's funeral, including approximately
fifty heads of state and ten reigning sovereigns. A bipartisan
congressional delegation from the United States also attended, led by
(06:54):
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Senator Susan Collins, and
including former Speaker Nancy Pelosia mode others. The list of
attendees read like a roll call of global leadership, with
representatives from nations across continents and across the spectrum of
religious and political affiliations. Among the notable figures in attendance
were US President Donald Trump and First Lady Milania Trump.
(07:15):
In a break with tradition, Trump declined to offer former
President Joe Biden a ride on Air Force one to
the funeral, despite the president set by President George W. Bush,
who had transported former Presidents George H. W. Bush and
Bill Clinton to Pope John Paul the Second's funeral in
two thousand and five. When asked about the possibility of
meeting with Biden during the trip, Trump tersely replied that
it was not high on my list. Biden and doctor
(07:38):
Jill Biden attended separately, a significant presence considering Biden's position
as only the second Catholic president in US history after
John F. Kennedy. European royalty was also well represented at
the funeral. King Felipe the six and Queen Letitia of
Spain were present, while Prince William represented the British royal family,
attending on behalf of his father, King Charles the Third.
(08:01):
Also in attendance were King Philippe and Queen Matilda of
Belgium and Prince Albert of Monaco. The presence of monarchy
alongside elected officials spoke to the unique historical position of
the papacy, which for centuries interacted with European royal houses
as both a spiritual authority and a temporal power. The
funeral also brought together leaders from nations with complex relationships,
(08:23):
providing unexpected moments of diplomatic engagement. In a surprising development,
President Trump met with Ukrainian President Voladimir Zelensky before the
funeral ceremony, with both leaders appearing to engage in substantive discussion.
Trump later posted on his Truth social platform that Ukraine
and Russia were very close to a deal to end
the war, adding that the two sides should now meet
(08:44):
at very high levels to finish it off. Zelensky, who
attended with First Lady Olena Zelenska, described their meeting as
very productive and agreed to speak Further after the service concluded,
the funeral took on additional political dimensions during Cardinal Giovanni
Battista raily, which included what some interpreted as a posthumous
rebuke of Trump's policies. Cardinal Ray quoted Francis's frequent exhortation
(09:07):
to build bridges, not walls, widely understood as a reference
to the contentious border wall policy that had been a
point of friction between Trump and Francis since twenty sixteen.
The two had clashed publicly over immigration policies, with Francis
once suggesting that anyone who thinks only of building walls
and not bridges is not Christian, a comment that had
provoked an angry response from then candidate Trump. Not all
(09:30):
world leaders were present, however, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who
is currently the subject of an international criminal court arrest
warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, did not attend
the funeral. This absence underscored the complex interplay of international law, diplomacy,
and the papal funeral status as a global gathering. Meanwhile,
Trump was seen engaging briefly with other world leaders, including
(09:52):
European Commission President Ursula vonder lyon Estonian and Finnish leaders
and French President Emmanuel Macron during the funeral masses sign
of peace. Security for an event of this magnitude represents
a significant undertaking. Authorities in Rome deployed over two thousand
police officers, including sharpshooters and specialist forces, with an additional
four hundred traffic officers on duty. The airspace over the
(10:15):
capital was closed from midnight on Friday, while undercover anti
terrorism and anti drone officers operated throughout the event. These
measures reflect both the significance of the occasion and the
reality of security concerns in the contemporary world, particularly given
the concentration of global leadership in one location. Beyond the
security diplomatic elements and momentary controversies over protocol and attire,
(10:38):
the funeral of Pope Francis represented something far more profound.
For the Catholic faithful and for many others around the world.
It was a moment of collective grief and remembrance, a
chance to reflect on the life and legacy of a
pope who consistently challenged comfortable assumptions and called for a
church that prioritized mercy, inclusion, and care for the marginalized.
(10:58):
Francis often spoke of the church as a field hospital
for the wounded rather than a fortress of doctrinal purity,
a metaphor that captured his pastoral approach to the papacy.
Some attendees traveled extraordinary distances under difficult circumstances to be present.
One pilgrim from Sardinia told reporters, we left last night
from Cagleiary. It's me, my son and our priest. We
(11:19):
bought our flight at the last minute and couldn't find
anywhere to sleep. We spent the night out here so
we could get close to the altar. Such stories of
sacrifice and devotion underscored the deep personal connection many felt
to Francis, beyond the political and diplomatic significance of his role.
The final journey of Pope Francis after the funeral mass,
carried its own symbolic weight. After the funeral mass, Francis
(11:42):
was buried outside the Vatican in Saint Mary Major Santa
Maria majore A Basilica in Rome. His tombstone was made
of marble from the northern Italian region of Liguria, where
Francis's grandparents were from. Adding a personal touch to his
final resting place. This choice represented another break with recent tradition,
as Francesis his immediate predecessors were interred within Saint Peter's
(12:02):
basilica itself. The selection of Saint Mary Major as his
final resting place reflects Francis's deep devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Throughout his papacy, he frequently visited this basilica, often praying
there before and after his international trips. It was a
place of personal significance to him, and his decision to
be buried there rather than in the more grandiose setting
(12:23):
of Saint Peter's aligns with his lifelong emphasis on simplicity
and his connection to the ordinary faithful. On Friday evening,
the solemn rite of the closing of the Coffin took place.
During this ceremony, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, who serves as the
interim manager of the Vatican until a new Pope is elected,
read the official deed, which was then placed in the coffin.
Some of Pope Francis's family members participated in this intimate ritual,
(12:46):
adding a personal dimension to the formal ecclesiastical proceedings following
this ceremony, a vigil of prayer continued through the night
until preparations began for the funeral mass on Saturday morning.
The coffin's journey through Rome after the funeral mass created
a final opportunity for the city's residents to bid farewell
to Francis. The simple, wooden coffin was transported on the popemobile,
(13:08):
passing iconic landmarks including the Coliseum, as thousands of mourners
lined the route from Saint Peter's Basilica to the Basilica
di Santa Maria Majori. In a particularly poignant touch, reflecting
Francis's lifelong concern for the marginalized, a group of poor
and needy people were present on the steps of the
Basilica to pay their final respects before the interment of
(13:29):
the coffin. This procession through the streets of the Eternal
City connected the formal Vatican ceremonies with the broader community
of Rome, the diocese of which the Pope serves as bishop.
The conclusion of the funeral marks not only the end
of Francis's papacy, but also the beginning of the process
to elect his successor. In accordance with Church law, the
College of cardinals will gather for the papal Conclave, the
(13:51):
centuries old process for selecting a new pope. There are
currently one hundred and thirty six eligible cardinals, though only
one hundred and ten twenty can participate in the conclave
according to church regulations. Before the conclave begins, however, the
cardinals meet in daily general Congregation sessions to address immediate
church business and prepare for the election process. The timing
(14:14):
of the conclave is governed by specific traditions. The official
morning period includes nine days known as the Novendiales, and
the pope must be buried between the fourth and sixth
day after death. The conclave itself will begin between fifteen
and twenty days after the pope's death. This interregnum period
allows time for cardinals from around the world to travel
(14:35):
to Rome and provides a space for reflection before the
momentous decision of selecting the next leader of the world's
one point three billion Catholics. During this interim period, Cardinal
Kevin Ferrell serves as the Camerlengo or Chamberlain, the official
temporarily charged with managing the temporal affairs of the church.
On Friday evening, he presided over the solemn right of
(14:56):
the closing of the coffin, during which he read the
official deed that was then plas in the coffin. Some
of Pope Francis's family members participated in this intimate ritual,
adding a personal dimension to the formal ecclesiastical proceedings. When
first appointed as Camerlengo, Ferrell had recounted his surprise at
receiving a phone call from Pope Francis. My administrative assistant
came in and said, the Pope's on the telephone, and
(15:18):
I felt like saying yeah, yeah, Farrell had shared at
a news conference. Eventually, she did put on the Pope
and he told me that he would like me to
go to Rome because Dallas needed a much better bishop
than I am. This anecdote captures something of Francis's characteristic
humility and gentle humor, qualities that endeared him to many
throughout his papacy. The election of Francis's successor will take
(15:39):
place in an atmosphere influenced by his distinctive approach to
the papacy. Over his twelve years as Pope, Francis consistently
emphasized themes of mercy, environmental stewardship, concern for migrants and refugees,
critique of unbridled capitalism, and outreach to those on the
margins of both church and society. He appointed cardinals who
(16:00):
broadly shared these priorities, potentially influencing the direction of the
Conclave and the future trajectory of the church. The interest
in this process extends well beyond practicing Catholics. In a
telling cultural indication, streams of the Oscar winning movie Conclave
saw a significant increase following the announcement of Pope Francis's death.
The film, which dramatizes the secretive process of electing a
(16:24):
pope amid power struggles among cardinals, received a viewership boost
across streaming platforms, according to entertainment data analytics company Illuminate.
This popular fascination with the Conclave reflects the continuing cultural
significance of the papacy, even in increasingly secular societies. As
the Church moves through these solemn days of mourning and transition,
(16:45):
Francis's homeland of Argentina experiences a particular sense of loss.
Large crowds gathered at Pope Francis's childhood church in Argentina
for special masses, with footage showing congregants holding hands with
each other or clutching photos of the pope as they
sang hymns at the San Jose de Flores Basilica in
Buenos Aires. Some were visibly emotional, wiping away tears as
(17:06):
the city's archbishop led the service. For Argentinians, Francis represented
not just a spiritual leader, but a point of national pride.
As the first pope from Latin America, the connection between
Francis and his homeland extended to unexpected areas of cultural life.
Francis was an outspoken soccer fan and supporter of the
San Lorenzo team. When he was elected pope in twenty thirteen,
(17:27):
the team shared a photo of him holding the club's crest.
He always conveyed his passion for the Cyclone, the team
wrote in a tribute referencing the club's nickname. When he
went to the old Gessometer to watch the forty six team,
When he confirmed Angelito Correa in the chapel of Shiuda Deportiva,
When he received blue and red visits at the Vatican,
always with total joy. This humanizing detail a pope who
(17:48):
maintained his passionate support for his local soccer team speaks
to Francis's authenticity and his continued connection to his roots
despite his global role. Family connections also provide a personal
dimension to the four normal ceremonies of mourning. Sister Anna
Rosa Sivori, the late Pope's second cousin, who serves as
a Silesian nun at a Catholic school in northeastern Thailand,
(18:09):
expressed her deep emotional response to his death. We are relatives,
and I never expected such news so suddenly, she told
journalists in Bangkok. So I ask God to take him
to heaven, and from heaven he will bless us. Having
come to Thailand as a young sister from Argentina in
nineteen sixty six, she had served as a translator during
Francis's twenty nineteen visit to Bangkok and planned to travel
(18:32):
to Italy for his funeral. Her recollections of Francis emphasize
his willingness to speak directly, especially on behalf of the poor,
a characteristic trait throughout his papacy. As the Catholic Church
and the wider world bid farewell to Pope Francis, his
funeral represents more than just the conclusion of a single papacy.
It marks a moment of transition in a two thousand
(18:53):
year old institution that continues to evolve while maintaining connections
to its ancient roots. Francis's legs will undoubtedly shape this evolution,
having pushed the Church toward greater emphasis on mercy, environmental concern,
and solidarity with the marginalized. The funeral itself offers a
glimpse of humanity at its most universal, the shared experience
(19:14):
of loss and remembrance that transcends differences of nationality, politics,
and even religious belief. In the gathering of world leaders,
in the crowds of ordinary faithful, in the solemn rituals
enacted with dignity and reverence, we see an affirmation of
our common human journey through mortality toward whatever lies beyond.
(19:36):
For believers, this ceremony points toward the hope of resurrection.
For all observers, it provides a moment to consider the
impact of a life dedicated to service and the enduring
questions of how we should live in relationship with one another.
As Pope Francis is laid to rest, the Catholic Church
stands at a crossroads facing challenges both ancient and modern,
(19:58):
declining religious practice, intradaytional strongholds, growth in the global South,
internal divisions over reform, and external pressures from an increasingly
secular culture. The direction taken by Francis's successor will significantly
influence how the Church navigates these challenges in the decades
to come. But for now, before that new chapter begins,
(20:18):
the focus remains on honoring the memory of Jorge Mario Bergoglio,
the man who became Pope Francis, and on acknowledging the
distinctive path he charted during his time as the leader
of the Catholic Church. In the quiet aftermath of the funeral,
as the crowds disperse and the cameras turn away, the
legacy of Pope Francis will continue to resonate through the
institution he led and the lives he touched. His emphasis
(20:41):
on mercy, his calls for ecological conversion, his advocacy for
migrants and refugees, his critiques of economic systems that marginalize
the poor. These themes will echo in Catholic social teaching
and in global discourse long after his burial. The simple
wooden coffin may be sealed, but the questions Francis rays
and the challenges he issued remain very much alive, awaiting
(21:03):
the response of succeeding generations. Thank you for listening to
this episode of Pope's Funeral. If you found value in
our exploration of Pope Francis's funeral and the traditions surrounding
this solemn occasion, please subscribe to hear more conversations about
the sacred dimensions of human experience. This has been brought
to you by Quiet Please Podcast networks. For more content
(21:26):
like this, please go to Quiet Please dot ai. Until
next time, I'm Solomon Bishop, wishing you peace on your
own journey of seeking and understanding Quiet. Please dot ai
hear what matters.
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