Pope Francis funeral updates: Pope Francis laid to rest after historic funeral in front of 250,000

Francis, 88, died on Monday at the Vatican.

ByKevin Shalvey and Jon Haworth
Last Updated: April 26, 2025, 11:45 AM EDT

Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, was buried Saturday at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major after dying one week ago at 88 years old.

Francis, who took his name after Saint Francis of Assisi, was known for his outreach to the poor and those in poverty and that will be reflected in his minimalist burial at Saint Mary Major. He is the first pope to be buried outside the Vatican in over a century and the first to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in more than 300 years.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Apr 26, 2025, 4:54 AM EDT

Trump, Zelenskyy met privately, White House says

President Trump and Ukraine's President Zelenskyy met privately earlier and had a "very productive session," White House Communications Director Steven Cheung told the press pool traveling with Trump.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with President Donald Trump on the sidelines of Pope Francis's funeral at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, April 26, 2025.
@ermaka2022/AFP via Getty Images

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with President Donald Trump on the sidelines of Pope Francis's funeral at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, April 26, 2025.
Ukrainan Presidencial ServiceAFP via Getty Images

Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelenska, are seated about seven people away from Trump and first lady Melania Trump, according to the press pool.

Former President Biden and former first lady Jill Biden are about four rows behind them.

Apr 26, 2025, 4:40 AM EDT

American Kielce Gussie does first reading at Pope Francis’ funeral

American Kielce Gussie, who works as a journalist at Vatican News, did the first reading in English -- several verses from the Acts of the Apostles -- at the funeral of Pope Francis.

American Kielce Gussie, who works as a journalist at Vatican News, did the first reading in English during the funeral of Pope Francis, at the Vatican, April 26, 2025.
ABC News

American Kielce Gussie, who works as a journalist at Vatican News, did the first reading in English -- several verses from the Acts of the Apostles -- at the funeral of Pope Francis.
1:44
American Kielce Gussie does first reading at Pope Francis’ funeralAmerican Kielce Gussie, who works as a journalist at Vatican News, did the first reading in English -- several verses from the Acts of the Apostles -- at the funeral of Pope Francis.
ABCNews.com

Gussie, originally from Florida, completed her undergraduate degree in theology at Mount St. Mary’s University.

Apr 26, 2025, 4:41 AM EDT

Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis with Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction during a phone call in January 2025. It was the only Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction that Biden had awarded at that time.

Former President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden arrive for the funeral Mass of Pope Francis, at the Vatican, April 26, 2025.
Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

"Pope Francis, your humility and your grace are beyond words, and your love for all is unparalleled," Biden posted on X. "As the People's Pope, you are a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world."

Apr 26, 2025, 4:29 AM EDT

Funeral of Pope Francis begins with choir singing an antiphon

As the funeral of Pope Francis begins, a choir can be heard singing an antiphon in Latin, a short verse which is traditionally sung or recited in Christian liturgical ritual.

Pallbearers carry the coffin into St. Petere's Square during the funeral of Pope Francis, April 26, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican.
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, will be buried Saturday at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major after dying one week ago at 88 years old.
3:47
Pope Francis' coffin moved to St. Peter’s Square to applausePope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, will be buried Saturday at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major after dying one week ago at 88 years old.
ABCNews.com

The book of the gospels lays on the coffin of late Pope Francis during the funeral ceremony at St Peter's Square in the Vatican, April 26, 2025.
Tiziana Fabi/AFP via Getty Images

An open Book of the Gospels was then placed on top of Pope Francis’ coffin as the service started.

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