VATICAN CITY, April 22 – Cardinals from across the globe convened at the Vatican on Tuesday morning following the sudden passing of Pope Francis, aged 88, as the Catholic Church begins the solemn process of bidding farewell to its spiritual leader and preparing for the transition of power.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis died unexpectedly on Monday after suffering a stroke followed by cardiac arrest. His passing brought an end to a transformative 12-year papacy marked by a strong commitment to social justice, internal Church reform, and consistent tensions with more conservative factions of the Roman Catholic Church.
A Sudden Loss After a Period of Recovery
Earlier this year, Pope Francis was hospitalized for over a month due to a severe bout of double pneumonia. Though he had returned to the Vatican nearly four weeks ago and made a public appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, his health was still considered fragile. The pontiff’s unexpected death has shocked the faithful, many of whom believed he was on the path to recovery.
Photographs shared by the Vatican show the late Pope resting at the Santa Marta residence, the simple and modest home he preferred over the traditional and grand Apostolic Palace. The images depict Pope Francis in his sacred papal attire, lying peacefully in a modest wooden coffin, flanked by two respectful Swiss Guards standing watch.
Ancient Rituals and Papal Traditions Begin
The passing of the pope has set in motion a series of time-honored traditions and formal procedures that help lead the Church through this period of transition. Among these traditions is the ceremonial destruction of the pope’s official ring, known as the “Fisherman’s Ring,” as well as his lead seal. These items are destroyed to prevent their misuse after his death.
At 9:00 a.m. local time, cardinals already present in Rome gathered for the first official meeting known as the General Congregation. These sessions serve not only to organize the funeral rites but also to assess the administrative needs of the Church during the interregnum—the period between the death of one pope and the election of another.
Italian Cardinal Fernando Filoni, upon entering the meeting, emphasized the spiritual aspect of the moment, stating, “This is a time for reflection and prayer. The pope has left us, but our faith continues. Now begins the process of honoring his memory and preparing the Church for its future.”
World Leaders to Attend Funeral
World leaders are anticipated to be present at the funeral, as arrangements are being made to welcome the large number of dignitaries and devoted followers expected to arrive. U.S. President Donald Trump, who had a tumultuous relationship with Pope Francis due to differences over immigration and climate policy, confirmed that he and his wife would travel to Rome to attend the service.
Javier Milei, the president of Argentina—Francis’ home country—has also been listed among the expected attendees, as has Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The Vatican has not yet announced the exact date of the funeral, though it is anticipated to take place later this week, possibly on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
In an uncommon decision revealed through his final testament, Pope Francis requested that he be laid to rest in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major rather than St. Peter’s Basilica. This choice reflects the pope’s personal devotion to Mary and his preference for simplicity and humility, which were hallmarks of his papacy.
A Progressive Legacy
When Francis assumed the papacy in 2013, he inherited a Church grappling with scandal, financial mismanagement, and declining trust among the laity. Throughout his tenure, he made significant efforts to clean up Vatican finances, bring transparency to internal operations, and confront long-standing issues such as clerical abuse.
He was also known for his progressive approach to contemporary social issues. His outreach to the LGBTQ community, his calls for economic justice, and his defense of migrants and refugees earned both praise and criticism. Traditionalists within the Church often viewed him as too reform-minded, while others applauded his efforts to modernize the Church and make it more inclusive.
Importantly, Francis appointed nearly 80% of the current cardinal-electors—those under the age of 80 who are eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave. This means his influence will likely shape the election of his successor, although no clear frontrunner has yet emerged.
Preparing for the Next Chapter
The conclave to elect the next pope is expected to begin between May 6 and May 11. During the interregnum, daily meetings among the cardinals will help them evaluate the qualities needed in the next leader of the global Church. These discussions, though held behind closed doors, play a crucial role in forming a consensus before the ballots are cast in the Sistine Chapel.
The late pontiff will remain in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence for the time being, giving members of the Vatican community a private moment to honor him. A public viewing is expected to begin on Wednesday, when his body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica for final farewells.
As the world mourns the passing of a leader who reshaped the Catholic Church’s global image, the faithful now turn their prayers toward the future—a future that must balance tradition with the evolving needs of over 1.4 billion Catholics across the world.