Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for April 26, with public viewing starting on April 23. Tributes from around the world highlight his legacy of compassion, humility, and advocacy for the poor.

Pope Francis’ funeral has been scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. A public viewing of his body will begin on Wednesday, April 23, inside St. Peter’s Basilica, following the pontiff’s death at the age of 88. The Argentine-born pope, history’s first from Latin America, captivated the world with his modest demeanor and advocacy for the poor, but his critiques of capitalism and emphasis on climate change often alienated conservative factions. His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, April 20, when he delivered a blessing and greeted crowds in St. Peter’s Square aboard the popemobile.

Cardinals gathered at the Vatican on Tuesday to organize the conclave that will elect his successor and to manage Church affairs during the period of transition. Approximately 60 cardinals attended the initial meeting, during which they confirmed that members of the public would be allowed to pay their respects starting Wednesday, once Pope Francis’ casket is moved into St. Peter’s Basilica. Although no date has yet been fixed for the conclave, Church norms indicate it cannot begin before May 5.

Three cardinals were selected to assist the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, in administering the Vatican during the interregnum. These are Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state; Polish Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko, archpriest of the St. Mary Major Basilica, where Francis will be buried; and Cardinal Fabbio Baggio, a senior official in the Vatican's department for migrants and development. These cardinals will be replaced after three days by another group of three to continue assisting in the interim administration.

At the Apostolic Nunciature in Jakarta, the official Vatican diplomatic mission in Indonesia, hundreds gathered under the rain on Tuesday to offer condolences for the late pope. A quiet, reverent atmosphere prevailed as Catholics lined up to pray, write messages of condolence, and speak with the Apostolic Nuncio. Father Heri Wibowo of the Archdiocese of Jakarta shared that he preferred to offer prayers there, given the challenges of traveling to the Vatican. He recalled Pope Francis as a humble leader, a trait he notably displayed during his visit to Indonesia in September 2024. Claudia, a 23-year-old worshipper who came with her family, expressed deep sadness over his passing, saying she was shocked, especially after seeing him deliver blessings just days earlier.

In the Philippines, hundreds attended a Mass at Manila Cathedral to honor the late pontiff, remembering him for his compassion toward the poor and those affected by natural disasters. Cynthia Esquilona, a 50-year-old mother, lit a candle and described him as a progressive leader who cared deeply for the marginalized. Another attendee, Conchita Mil, 69, who has breast cancer, wept quietly in the pews as she expressed gratitude for the pope’s concern for the sick. Francis had visited the Philippines in 2015 to console survivors of Typhoon Haiyan. Images of him drenched in rain but still reaching out to comfort people left a lasting impression.

In Taiwan, Catholics gathered in Taipei for a solemn mass, reflecting on the pope’s legacy of spiritual leadership and humanitarian service. Former Premier Chen Chien-jen, a devout Catholic who had met Pope Francis multiple times, praised the pope’s contributions to world peace and environmental sustainability. Bernard Li, former president of Fu Jen Catholic University, echoed these sentiments, describing Francis as a compassionate leader who championed racial equality and global harmony. President Lai Ching-te ordered flags to fly at half-staff on Tuesday as a national sign of mourning and respect.

China also offered condolences following the pope’s death. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed Beijing’s willingness to continue improving relations with the Vatican, referencing Pope Francis’ role in easing the decades-long rift between China’s state-sanctioned Catholic Church and the underground Church loyal to Rome. In 2018, the Vatican under Francis brokered a deal allowing Rome to recognize bishops appointed by Beijing. This provisional agreement was renewed in October 2024.

In Australia, both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton suspended campaign activities planned for Tuesday out of respect for the pope. Flags were flown at half-staff nationwide. Albanese, who was raised Catholic but chose a secular affirmation upon becoming prime minister, attended Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne. He told reporters that although he doesn’t speak much about his faith publicly, his Catholic background remains part of who he is. Dutton, who comes from a mixed Christian background, also planned to attend a memorial service in Sydney and stated that it was a day better spent in reflection than in politics.

India declared three days of mourning, with national flags flying at half-staff on all government buildings. This period of mourning will last through the day of the funeral, as per the Home Ministry’s announcement.

The Vatican released the first images of Pope Francis’ body, showing him in a simple wooden casket, dressed in red vestments and his bishop’s miter. The secretary of state was seen praying beside him in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where the pope had lived. The ritual to confirm his death was presided over by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who blessed the late pontiff’s body with holy water as Swiss Guards stood watch. Francis’ hands were clasped around a rosary. The liturgical procession to move his casket into St. Peter’s Basilica will be led by the camerlengo, with guidance from Archbishop Diego Ravelli, master of papal ceremonies.

Pope Francis leaves behind a complex legacy marked by deep compassion, calls for reform, and bold engagement with the world’s most pressing moral and social issues. His passing has evoked a wave of mourning across the globe, drawing tributes from both the faithful and world leaders alike.