Pope Francis’s Funeral Set for Saturday as World Leaders Gather

• Apr 22, 2025

Pope Francis’s funeral will be held on Saturday, with many world leaders expected to attend the ceremony in Rome.

As preparations for the funeral move forward, attention has also shifted to what comes next for the Catholic Church. In the days leading up to the conclave that will elect the next pope, cardinals from across the world are expected to meet in gatherings known as General Congregations.

These meetings offer the cardinals a chance to get to know one another, especially since many of them are relatively unknown outside their home countries. The General Congregations also serve a key purpose: helping to define the qualities and leadership style needed in the next pope.

The Catholic Church follows a centuries-old process when choosing a new pope. The conclave, a secretive voting process held inside the Vatican, involves cardinals under the age of 80. Through multiple rounds of voting, they seek to reach a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope. But before that happens, the General Congregations play a major role in shaping the decision.

The cardinals will use these sessions to reflect on the needs of the church and the challenges it currently faces. From guiding more than a billion Catholics worldwide to responding to global issues like conflict, inequality, and climate change, the new pope will inherit many responsibilities.

Pope Francis, who served as pontiff since 2013, was known for his efforts to modernize the church and promote social justice. His leadership style emphasized humility, care for the poor, and interfaith dialogue. These qualities may influence what the cardinals look for in the next pope.

As the world prepares to say goodbye to Pope Francis on Saturday, the focus will also turn to the future of the church. With global leaders, religious figures, and mourners expected to attend the funeral, the event will mark both an end and a new beginning for the Catholic community.