Tourists worldwide travel to Italy specifically for Easter. As roman Catholicism thrives in the capital of Rome, many urging festivities awaken. However, Easter in Italy is not as celebrated and oriented as in countries such as the United States, where the Easter bunny hides its eggs and children go on a hunt to find little surprises. In Italy, Easter eggs are not practiced, and as the days to Easter are busy, with many going to mass and final preparations are made for Easter Sunday.
In Rome, tourists typically gather near the Colosseum, anticipating Pope Francis’ annual Mass. However, this year was different due to the Pope’s medical condition, leading to the shocking news of his sudden death.
Holy Thursday in Rome can be celebrated with a special Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica, followed by the Mass of the Last Supper. Good Friday is most known worldwide as an amazing night on the streets of the Rome. Via Crucis, known as the Ways of the Cross a holy ceremony, is typically led by the Pope, held with a torchlit candle. This event signifies Jesus’ passion on Good Friday. It attracts thousands of pilgrims and others, demonstrating its significance during the week. This year, Pope Francis was not physically present for the annual procession at the Colosseum. Pope Francis’ medical reasons for bilateral pneumonia led to a cardinal taking his place, reading the meditations written by the Pope.
Holy Saturday is notably where the church observes a day of silence and meditation, in preparation for Easter Sunday. No regular masses are conducted, due to the church’s state of mourning. In St. Peter’s Basilica is where the pope would conduct the Easter Vigil Mass, however, Cardinal Giovanni Battista presided over the Mass in place of Pope Francis.
On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, Pope Francis made his last appearance to the world. While still being under medical supervision, he greeted many from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Francis delivered a blessing and a message to the faithful who gathered in the square. However, he did not preside over the Easter mass, but the Pope left inspiring remarks for peace in conflict zones, such as Gaza and Ukraine.
Following a swift diagnosis of a severe stroke, Pope Francis sadly died at 7:35 am at his residence in Vatican City, Casa Santa Marta. He left this world at the age of 88, following his last public appearance on Easter Sunday. His final words expressed gratitude to his nurse, Massimiliano Strapetti, as he requested one last ride in the pope mobile after delivering his blessing.
After the Pope’s death, the mourning period for the Catholic Church lasts 9 days, while the funeral must occur after 6 days. Unlike other popes, Pope Francis requested to be buried in St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore), one of Rome’s many basilicas. He chose this instead of being buried at the Vatican because of his profound devotion to Mary, while frequently praying at this basilica before his travels and regularly throughout his time in Italy. His funeral took place on April 26th in St. Peter’s Square. An estimated number of 250,000 people watched his funeral, while about 150,000 people lined the streets of Rome to see him being transported from the Vatican to St. Mary Major.
A new Pope has been appointed through the decision of the conclave. Pope Leo IV, born Robert Francis Proverst, took on this papacy. He is the first American pope from Chicago, Illinois. He has shown his devotion to his religion, notably through his travels in Peru for over a decade, gaining dual citizenship.
As Pope Francis’ term in papacy has sadly come to an end, the world now awaits Pope Leo IV to follow in his footsteps. Pope Francis has left a profound impact on the world and others through his beliefs, changing traditions in the Roman Catholic church, and leaving a big legacy for others to follow.
Image Credits:
Elie, Paul. “The Down-to-Earth Pope: Pope Francis Has Died at Eighty-eight.” The New Yorker, 21 April 2025, https://www.newyorker.com/news/postscript/the-down-to-earth-pope-francis. Accessed 14 May 2025.
Hernandez, Joe, and Rachel Treisman. “The pope’s final public appearance was greeting the faithful for Easter Sunday.” NPR, 21 April 2025, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/21/g-s1-61588/the-popes-final-public-appearance-was-greeting-the-faithful-for-easter-sunday. Accessed 14 May 2025.
The Straits Times. “Pope Francis’ funeral draws thousands, cardinal says his legacy must survive.” The Straits Times, 2025, https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/royalty-and-presidents-to-join-multitude-of-mourners-at-pope-francis-funeral. Accessed 26 April 2025.
References:
Andrews, Frank, and Anna Matranga. “What happens next after Pope Francis’ death?” CBS News, 28 April 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pope-francis-death-what-happens-next-funeral-conclave/ Accessed 13 May 2025.
Craw, Victoria, et al. “Pope Francis is buried in Rome after funeral attended by 250000.” The Washington Post, 26 April 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/04/26/pope-francis-funeral/. Accessed 13 May 2025.
DiPippo, Greg. “Easter in Rome | Rick Steves’ Europe.” Rick Steves Europe, https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/easter-in-rome. Accessed 13 May 2025.
Florez, Denise. “Why Pope Francis chose a humble burial site.” CALÓ News, 25 April 2025, https://www.calonews.com/featured-topics/culture/why-pope-francis-chose-a-humble-burial-site/article_2a36e8fa-bdf5-4bee-81e8-ab91114078d2.html. Accessed 13 May 2025.
Giuffrida, Angela. “Santa Maria Maggiore: why Pope Francis decided ‘this is my place’ to be buried.” The Guardian, 25 April 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/25/santa-maria-maggiore-why-pope-francis-buried. Accessed 13 May 2025.
McElwee, Joshua, and Sandra Maler. “Pope Francis, still recovering, skips Rome’s annual Good Friday procession.” Reuters, 18 April 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pope-francis-still-recovering-skips-romes-annual-good-friday-procession-2025-04-18/. Accessed 13 May 2025.
Vatican News. “Biography of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost.” Vatican News, 8 May 2025, https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/biography-of-robert-francis-prevost-pope-leo-xiv.html. Accessed 13 May 2025.
