Driven Voice

Pope Francis asked for a simple funeral not of a world leader

AS the 1.3 billion Catholics across the world come to terms with the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican has revealed that the late Pontiff had asked for a simple funeral that reflects faith in Jesus Christ rather than power or position.

The Pope, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio died today at the age of 88 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta inside the Vatican.

Long before his death, Pope Francis had made it clear that he did not want a grand or elaborate funeral.

In April last year, he personally approved an updated version of the Catholic Church’s official funeral guide for Popes known as the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis.

The new edition includes several changes meant to simplify the funeral rites and focus more on the role of the Pope as a humble servant of God.

For example, the official confirmation of the Pope’s death now takes place in a chapel not in the room where he died as it used to be years ago.

His body is then placed directly into the coffin, without any long or complicated process.

According to Archbishop the man in charge of papal ceremonies Diego Ravelli, Pope Francis had asked that the funeral highlight the Church’s belief in the resurrection of Christ and avoid any signs of worldly importance.

“The renewed rite shows that the Pope’s funeral is that of a pastor and follower of Christ not that of a powerful person,”wrote Archbishop Ravelli.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio popularly known as Pope Francis became Pope in 2013 and became the first Pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to be elected.

When he became Pope, he chose the name Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century Italian saint known for his deep humility, love for the poor and simple way of life.

That choice set the tone for his entire papacy as Pope Francis rejected many of the privileges of the office.

He chose to live in a modest guesthouse instead of the grand Apostolic Palace and often rode in a simple car instead of the traditional Popemobile.

He spent much of his time speaking out for the poor, the sick and the forgotten and worked to bring reforms to the Catholic Church, even as he faced criticism from more conservative members.

Despite pushback from traditionalists, Pope Francis remained widely admired for his approachable demeanor and progressive tone.

The Pope had battled health issues for much of his life as he underwent lung surgery in his early twenties and in recent years, struggled with recurring respiratory illnesses.

He was hospitalised on February 14 this year with bronchitis and later developed bilateral pneumonia.

After 38 days of treatment, he returned home to Casa Santa Marta where he spent his final days.

The Vatican has not yet announced the date of the funeral, but it is expected to follow the instructions Pope Francis left behind.

By Catherine P**e

Kalemba, April 21, 2025

Good morning everybody!rise and shine to a brand new day and tap into the blessings God has install for us🙏♥️