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.

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, 6:14 AM EDT

Breeze blows pages of Book of Gospels

It is one of the most poignant and iconic moments in papal funerals: the simple yet profound image of the breeze blowing the pages of the Book of the Gospels resting on top of the pope's coffin.

A page of the book of the gospels reading "In the Passion and death of the Lord" is seen on the coffin of late Pope Francis during the funeral ceremony at St Peter's Square in the Vatican, April 26, 2025.
Filippo Monteforte/AFP via Getty Images

It is one of the most poignant and iconic moments in papal funerals: the simple yet profound image of the breeze blowing the pages of the Book of the Gospels resting on top of the pope's coffin.
0:59
Breeze blows pages of Book of Gospels on Pope Francis' coffinIt is one of the most poignant and iconic moments in papal funerals: the simple yet profound image of the breeze blowing the pages of the Book of the Gospels resting on top of the pope's coffin.
ABCNews.com

The book was opened to the reading, "In the Passion and death of the Lord."

Apr 26, 2025, 5:54 AM EDT

Trump says attending pope's funeral 'out of respect'

As he headed to Rome, reporters aboard Air Force One asked President Trump why he felt it was important to go to Pope Francis' funeral.

"I just thought it was out of respect," he responded.

"You know, I won the Catholic vote," he added. "And I think it's the first time that ever happened where a Republican won the love."

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump,attend the funeral Mass of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, April 26, 2025.
Nathan Howard/Reuters

"I won the Catholic vote and 56% of the vote. I don't know why we didn't get more," he said. "I don't know how they got it, but we … did well with the Catholic vote and my relationship is very good. And so, therefore, you know, I think I think it's appropriate."

Apr 26, 2025, 5:36 AM EDT

Holy Communion being offered throughout St. Peter's Square

The Holy Communion is being offered among the cardinals at the funeral of Pope Francis.

Attendees receive communion wafers during late Pope Francis' funeral at St Peter's Square in the Vatican, April 26, 2025.
Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images

After the cardinals receive the Holy Communion, they will then offer it among the crowd throughout St. Peter's Square.

Apr 26, 2025, 5:23 AM EDT

Liturgy of the Eucharist taking place

The Liturgy of the Eucharist is being read at the funeral of Pope Francis -- which is where bread and wine are consecrated, becoming the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

It is a central act of worship in the Catholic church where believers and worshippers participate in the eternal sacrifice of Christ.

Related Topics

Sponsored Content by Taboola