Key moments from Francis' papacy

While revered by many of the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion-strong faithful revered Pope Francis, not everyone saw a saint.

Gavino Garay, who covered Francis' 2015 visit to Washington, D.C., looks back at key moments, some controversial, from his papacy.

More than 200,000 people are expected to attend the ceremony in the vast square in front of St. Peter's Basilica on April 26. So far, around 50 heads of state have been confirmed as attending, including U.S. President Donald Trump and 10 reigning monarchs.

Before he is laid to rest, Francis' coffin will be sealed in a private ceremony led by eight Catholic cardinals. The pope's face will be covered with a white silk veil and his body sprinkled with holy water.

Papal items such as coins and medals that were minted during his pontificate will be placed into the casket. A special deed listing the key points of his 12-year papacy will also be placed in the casket.

Francis asked to be buried in a simple zinc-lined wooden coffin, unlike his predecessors. 🔗 Read about his wishes and more ornate burials at our link in bio.

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Post from Reuters on April 25, 2025

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