Pope Francis has died at 88. The world is now reflecting on his legacy, the sacred symbols he wore, and his burial wishes.
The meaning behind each sacred symbol placed on Pope Francis’ body
The body of Pope Francis, dressed in full liturgical vestments, now lies in state inside a wooden coffin in the Vatican’s Santa Marta chapel.
He wore a red chasuble, symbolizing Christ’s blood, divine love, martyrdom, and passion.
This vestment is traditionally worn on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Pentecost celebrations.
Around his neck rested a white pallium, a woolen stole embroidered with six black crosses. It represents his spiritual authority and connection to Christ’s mission.
The pallium was handwoven from the wool of two lambs raised by monks at Tre Fontane Abbey. Nuns at St. Cecilia’s Basilica crafted the stole.
On his head lay a white mitre, a pointed headdress adorned with gold trim. It symbolizes dignity, holiness, and the splendor of the papal office.
A rosary was placed in his hands, reflecting his devotion to the Virgin Mary and his daily practice of prayer throughout his papacy.
He wore a silver ring on his right hand, which he had kept since serving as Archbishop of Buenos Aires—his humble origin before leading the Church.
As tradition dictates, the Fisherman’s Ring, a papal signet, was destroyed after his death to mark the end of his spiritual reign.
Pope Francis’ final resting place is a humble break from Vatican tradition
Pope Francis requested a burial away from St. Peter’s Basilica, where many popes rest. Instead, he chose Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
In his last will and testament, Francis asked to be buried simply, “in the earth, without particular decoration,” marked only with the Latin name Franciscus.
Workers have closed off an area between the Cappella Paolina and the Capella Sforza to prepare Pope Francis’s chosen burial site.
A marble memorial of Pope Paul V, who died in 1621, stands above the spot where Francis will be laid to rest
The final moments and lying in state of Pope Francis
Francis passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, following a stroke, coma, and irreversible heart failure after weeks recovering from pneumonia in his apartment.
Photos released by the Vatican show Swiss Guards beside the casket, awaiting transfer to St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands will pay their respects.
Nine days of official mourning have begun. The College of Cardinals confirmed the funeral will be held Saturday in St. Peter’s Square.
The Vatican camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, officially confirmed his death in a solemn ceremony before church leaders gathered to begin their final goodbyes.
Why Pope Francis chose Saint Mary Major as his final home
Francis loved Saint Mary Major. It’s home to his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus with a golden, jeweled book.
He visited this basilica regularly—especially after medical treatment—to leave flowers and pray before the image of Mary the Mother of God.
His final visit occurred on April 12, where he prayed before the Byzantine-style painting for what would be the last time.
Tributes Pour in for the Humble and Compassionate Pope Francis
Leaders around the world have honored Pope Francis’ legacy, praising his humility, compassion, and defense of the poor and forgotten.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said, “He was a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten.”
The King of the United Kingdom called Francis ‘someone who profoundly touched the lives of so many.’
He said this following their recent meeting.
China’s foreign ministry also expressed condolences. It noted constructive Vatican-China exchanges and expressed hope for continued improvement in relations
Just two months before his death, Francis wrote about dying in a preface for a new book by Cardinal Angelo Scola.
“Death is not the end of everything, but the beginning of something,” he wrote. He urged people to embrace aging with grace, not fear.
Francis believed eternal life begins in everyday acts of love and service. He called death “a new beginning into something never lived before—eternity.”