Overview

• Pope Francis, who served as head of the Catholic Church from 2013 to his death on April 21, 2025, was honored with a simplified funeral in Vatican City.
• Dignitaries including Jill Biden, Brigitte Macron, and Melania Trump joined royals from across the globe to pay their respects in St. Peter’s Square.
• Royal attendees included Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Rania of Jordan, Queen Letizia of Spain, and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, among others.
• The late pope’s preference for simplicity shaped the ceremony, departing from traditional Vatican rites and emphasizing humility.
• With the funeral concluded, the College of Cardinals is now finalizing preparations for the early May conclave to select the next pope.