A Simpler Funeral for Pope Francis, Who Shunned Many Papal Trappings

Pope Francis’s funeral will be held on Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica, featuring simpler rituals and a burial in an unadorned tomb to reflect his commitment to making the Church more accessible and focused on serving the poor and protecting the planet. The event, though grand, adheres to rules set by Francis last year that promote humility and down-to-earth practices, contrasting sharply with traditional, elaborate ceremonies of past popes. Expected to attend will be a mix of religious and political leaders, along with millions of global followers, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals.