Pope Francis in Repose at Casa Santa Marta: A Solemn Farewell to a Beloved Pontiff

VATICAN CITY – On April 21, 2025, the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, who died at 7:35 AM in his modest residence at Casa Santa Marta. The Vatican announced that the 88-year-old pontiff succumbed to a stroke followed by heart failure, marking the end of a transformative 12-year papacy defined by humility, compassion, and a relentless call for social justice. In the hours following his death, the Vatican offered a rare glimpse into the solemn rituals that accompanied his repose, as the Church and the faithful began to bid farewell to a leader who reshaped the papacy for a modern era.

A Simple Setting for a Historic Moment

Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican guesthouse where Pope Francis chose to reside instead of the opulent Apostolic Palace, became the focal point of the initial rites following his death. The Argentine-born pontiff, known for his simplicity and aversion to grandeur, passed away in the same unassuming suite where he lived, prayed, and worked. The Vatican released images of the chapel within Casa Santa Marta, where Pope Francis’ body was placed in an open wooden coffin, dressed in red liturgical vestments symbolizing his role as the Vicar of Christ. His face, serene in repose, was framed by a white mitre, and his hands gently clasped a rosary, a poignant reminder of his deep personal faith.

Swiss Guards, clad in their iconic blue-and-yellow uniforms, stood vigil at the coffin, their presence underscoring the gravity of the moment. The rite of confirmation of death, a traditional ceremony in the Catholic Church, was presided over by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who holds the responsibility of overseeing the Vatican’s affairs during the interregnum. The brief but sacred ceremony included prayers and the formal verification of the pontiff’s passing, marking the official start of the sede vacante, the period when the papal throne is vacant.

A Papacy of Humility and Reform

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas. His papacy was characterized by a focus on the marginalized, environmental stewardship, and efforts to reform the Church’s bureaucracy. From his decision to forgo lavish papal apartments to his outspoken critiques of global capitalism and climate inaction, Francis sought to embody the Church’s mission as a “field hospital” for a wounded world. His encyclicals, such as Laudato Si’ on environmental care and Fratelli Tutti on universal fraternity, left a lasting theological and social legacy.

His death, though not unexpected given his declining health in recent years, sent shockwaves through the global Catholic community and beyond. World leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, issued statements praising Francis’ moral clarity and commitment to peace. In St. Peter’s Square, thousands of pilgrims gathered spontaneously on April 21, lighting candles and offering prayers as church bells tolled across Rome.

The Journey to St. Peter’s Basilica

Following the private rites at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis’ body was transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23, 2025, for public viewing. The procession, though simple in keeping with the pontiff’s wishes, was a deeply symbolic moment, as his coffin was carried through the Vatican’s cobbled paths to the heart of Christendom. In the basilica, his body was placed on a catafalque before the Altar of the Confession, allowing millions of Catholics and admirers to pay their respects over the following days.

The Vatican estimated that hundreds of thousands of pilgrims would visit St. Peter’s Basilica before the funeral, with enhanced security measures in place to accommodate the influx. Large screens were set up in St. Peter’s Square to broadcast the proceedings, ensuring that those unable to enter the basilica could participate in the mourning.

A Funeral and a Legacy

Pope Francis’ funeral Mass is scheduled for April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, to be celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. The outdoor Mass, expected to draw heads of state, religious leaders, and millions of faithful, will reflect Francis’ desire for inclusivity, with elements of the liturgy incorporating prayers for the poor and the planet. Following the Mass, his body will be entombed in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of Rome’s four major basilicas, in accordance with his wishes. The choice of St. Mary Major, where Francis often prayed before and after international trips, underscores his devotion to the Virgin Mary and his deep connection to Rome.

The conclave to elect his successor is expected to begin within 15 to 20 days of his death, as mandated by Church law. Speculation about the next pope has already begun, with cardinals from Africa, Asia, and Latin America seen as potential candidates, reflecting Francis’ efforts to globalize the Church’s leadership. However, the Vatican has emphasized that the focus remains on honoring Francis’ memory and legacy in the immediate term.

A World in Mourning

As images of Pope Francis in repose at Casa Santa Marta circulated worldwide, they captured a moment of profound transition for the Catholic Church. The simplicity of the scene—a wooden coffin, a rosary, and a humble chapel—mirrored the life of a man who sought to lead by example. For the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, and for countless others inspired by his message of mercy, his death marks the end of an era.

In the days ahead, the Church will navigate the delicate balance of mourning and renewal, as it prepares to elect a new pope while celebrating the enduring impact of Francis’ papacy. For now, the faithful cling to his final words, reportedly spoken to a close aide: “Pray, hope, and don’t be afraid.” As the candles flicker in St. Peter’s Square and the world watches Rome, Pope Francis’ legacy of love and service continues to shine brightly, even in repose.

Sources: Vatican News, Associated Press, Reuters, and posts on X.