On April 21, 2025, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, who died at the age of 88 in his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Known for his humility, commitment to social justice, and efforts to modernize the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis left an indelible mark on the global Catholic community. This article explores the details of his final rites, the services planned, their locations, the historical context of papal funerals, and the current services honoring his legacy.

Date and Details of Pope Francis’ Final Rites

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced his death at 9:45 AM from Casa Santa Marta, marking the beginning of the Vatican’s carefully orchestrated mourning process. The rite of ascertainment of death, a formal confirmation of the pontiff’s passing, was scheduled for Monday evening at 8:00 PM in the Chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, presided over by Cardinal Farrell. This ceremony, part of the updated liturgical book Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis approved by Francis in April 2024, involves placing the pope’s body in a simple wooden coffin with a zinc lining, reflecting his desire for modesty.

Following the ascertainment, Pope Francis’ body will be blessed and dressed in papal vestments before being exhibited in St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. Unlike traditional papal funerals, which used an elevated bier, Francis’ body will lie in an open coffin to emphasize simplicity, a change he implemented in 2024 to align his funeral with that of a bishop rather than a worldly figure of power. Hundreds of thousands, including world leaders and dignitaries, are expected to pay their respects during this period.

Mourning Pope Francis – 2025

Living in Melbourne, we’re proud of our vibrant, multicultural city—a place where faith, culture, and community thrive. As members of Melbourne’s Catholic community, we’re excited to share a clear and easy-to-understand guide about Pope Francis, the former leader of the Catholic Church. Whether you’re in St Kilda, Richmond, or the CBD, this article is for you—crafted with a local Melbourne touch to help our community connect with his legacy. Let’s dive into who Pope Francis was, why he mattered, and how his work resonated even here in our corner of Australia.

Who Was Pope Francis?

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, serving from March 13, 2013, until his passing on April 21, 2025. He was a trailblazer in many ways:

• First Jesuit Pope: He was the first member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) to become pope.
• First from the Americas: Born in Argentina, he was the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere.
• First Non-European in Over 1,200 Years: Since Syrian Pope Gregory III in the 8th century, no pope had come from outside Europe until Francis.

Growing up in a working-class family, his father an Italian immigrant accountant and his mother a housewife, Francis learned humility early. His life took a turn in 1958 after a severe illness inspired him to join the Jesuits. He became a priest in 1969, later serving as Argentina’s Jesuit leader and Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

What Made Pope Francis Unique?

The public image of Pope Francis differed from past popes because he remained grounded and oriented his papacy towards the needs of common people. 

1. Humility and Simplicity

Francis made the decision to dwell at the Vatican guesthouse instead of selecting the elaborate papal apartments. His simple car-driving accompanied his compassionate acts of washing prisoners’ feet and the feet of refugee detainees.

2. Focus on Social Issues

Francis readily raised his voice for poverty and climate change and migration causes. Through his 2015 document Laudato Si’ he demanded environmental response by asking everyone to protect our shared ecosystem. 

3. Openness to Dialogue

Through his activities Francis demonstrated his leadership role in bringing together representatives from Muslim to Jewish and Orthodox Christian faiths for interfaith dialogue.

4. Church Reforms

Through his reforms Francis challenged monetary scandals at the Vatican and combined efforts to include women in the Church as substantial members of Vatican administrative bodies. 

Pope Francis’ Health and Final Days

In his later years, Francis faced health challenges, including chronic lung disease and pneumonia. In February 2025, he was hospitalized in Rome with a respiratory crisis and early kidney failure. Despite his condition, he remained alert, attending Mass and greeting crowds when possible. Tragically, he passed away the next day, Easter Monday, at age 88.

Melbourne’s Response: Across our city, from St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne to St Francis’ Church in the CBD, Catholics gathered to pray for Francis during his hospitalization. His passing prompted Masses and vigils, with parishes in Preston and Hawthorn hosting memorial services.

Why Pope Francis Mattered to Melbourne’s Catholic Community

As Melburnians, we’re part of a global Catholic family, and Pope Francis’ leadership touched us deeply:

• Inspiration for Local Charities: His focus on the poor inspired groups like St Vincent de Paul in Sunshine and the Catholic Mission in Box Hill to expand outreach programs.
• Youth Engagement: Francis’ warmth drew young Catholics to events like World Youth Day. Melbourne’s youth groups, like those in Northcote, often discussed his messages on hope and mercy.
• Interfaith Unity: His interreligious work encouraged events like the multifaith gatherings at Federation Square, where Catholics, Muslims, and Buddhists prayed together.

Pope Francis’ Legacy

Pope Francis left a lasting mark on the Catholic Church and the world. Pope Francis left an everlasting mark on the Church through his focus on compassion along with his dedication to vulnerable groups and caring for the earth which will influence Church doctrine for multiple years. The cultural influence of Pope Francis exists throughout our city through Melbourne’s religious organizations and support groups and interfaith associations.

How to Learn More in Melbourne

Want to connect with Pope Francis’ legacy? Here’s how you can get involved locally:

• Visit Local Parishes: Check out St Patrick’s Cathedral or St Ignatius’ in Richmond for Masses honoring Francis.
• Join Community Groups: Groups like the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne (based in East Melbourne) offer events and discussions.
• Explore His Writings: Pick up Laudato Si’ or his memoir, Hope: An Autobiography, at bookstores like Readings in Carlton.

Pope Francis was more than a global leader—he was a voice for compassion, unity, and change. Here in Melbourne, his message inspired us to live our faith with humility and care for others, whether we’re in Prahran, Brunswick, or beyond. As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life that reminded us to love our neighbors and our planet.

If you’re in Melbourne and want to share your thoughts on Pope Francis or join a local Catholic event, drop by your nearest parish or contact the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Let’s keep his spirit alive in our city!celebrate his legacy. As the Church prepares for a conclave to elect his successor, Pope Francis’ vision of a more inclusive and compassionate Church will continue to resonate.

By Everything In Melbourne