In a quiet moment on April 21, 2025, shortly after Pope Francis’ death, Vatican officials gathered for a solemn ritual that has been observed for centuries. The pope was transferred from his humble guesthouse to the Chapel of Santa Marta, where Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the chamberlain, officially confirmed the papal passing.
Only a handful of family members and Vatican staff were present during this ceremony, emphasizing the simplicity that defined Francis’ papacy. Photographs released reveal a modest setting, contrasting sharply with the elaborate rooms of past popes. The coffin was a singular wooden structure lined in zinc, a departure from the customary three-coffin arrangement that typically includes a wooden, a lead, and a final wooden layer—a change that Francis himself had instituted for his own funeral.
In this moment, the legacy of Pope Francis is one of humility, reflecting a leader who redefined expectations and traditions within the Roman Catholic Church. As the world prepares to honor him, these first steps serve as a reminder of his impactful journey as a beloved figure of modern faith.
Only a handful of family members and Vatican staff were present during this ceremony, emphasizing the simplicity that defined Francis’ papacy. Photographs released reveal a modest setting, contrasting sharply with the elaborate rooms of past popes. The coffin was a singular wooden structure lined in zinc, a departure from the customary three-coffin arrangement that typically includes a wooden, a lead, and a final wooden layer—a change that Francis himself had instituted for his own funeral.
In this moment, the legacy of Pope Francis is one of humility, reflecting a leader who redefined expectations and traditions within the Roman Catholic Church. As the world prepares to honor him, these first steps serve as a reminder of his impactful journey as a beloved figure of modern faith.
