Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America, died at age 86. Fate or whatever you want to call it would have it that this time matched his member number from the Argentinian football club San Lorenzo de Almagro. His passing has drawn an historic tsunami of eulogies from world leaders, princes, religious authorities, and ordinary people. This response is a testament to his legacy as a spiritual giant who deeply resonated with millions of people from all colors, creeds, and classes.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan opened the Mass of remembrance. He thanked them deeply for the community’s presence and welcomed the “graciousness” of their presence during this heavy season. He referred to Pope Francis as a treasure, calling attention to the powerful and uplifting mark the pontiff left on the world’s stage.
The funeral for Pope Francis will begin at 10 a.m. local time — 4 a.m. ET. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will preside at the liturgy. Cardinals met to plan details for the funeral service. They did so while simultaneously preparing for the coming conclave to elect his successor.
Italy has announced five days of national mourning, while flags across the Vatican City have been flown at half-staff. In stark contrast, India will fly its national flags at half-mast and enter a three-day mourning period. Most prominently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska are expected to be in attendance at the funeral to pay their respects.
Pope Francis had a similar soccer pedigree, being an outspoken advocate for his country’s only unifying force in a fractured world. His ties to San Lorenzo are personal as well as professional. The club released this rare and unforgettable photo of him holding their crest upon his election as pope back in 2013. This connection was highlighted by many fans and players alike, including Lionel Messi, who remarked, “RIP Pope Francis. Thank you for making the world a better place: we will miss you.”
As tributes poured in from around the globe, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, “The holy father was one of the most consequential leaders of this century and of our lifetime. He was, indeed, the people’s pope.” And millions deeply feel this way. In their view, he has served as a long overdue voice for the marginalized and oppressed, a tireless champion of social justice.
Pope Francis’ body will be moved in a procession from the Chapel of the Santa Marta residence to St. Peter’s Basilica tomorrow for public viewing, allowing people to pay their respects ahead of the funeral. This procession marks not just his earthly course in the world, but indicates the spiritual space that he was able to keep with his devotees.
The global reaction was immediate, with leaders around the world expressing their solidarity in different forums. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his “sincere” condolences to senior cardinals after hearing of Pope Francis’ death. Cardinal Timothy Dolan further reflected on the pope’s legacy during his address: “He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity.”