The now-erased embassy posts were simple and respectful. “Rest in peace, Pope Francis. May his memory be a blessing,” they read. But those words, apparently, went too far for political establishment. The directive to remove them reportedly came directly from Sa’ar, prompting frustration and disbelief among Israeli diplomats—particularly those serving in predominantly Catholic countries. Some within Israel’s foreign service have privately expressed that the censorship undermines both diplomatic etiquette and the country’s long-standing relationship with the Holy See.

Only Israeli President Isaac Herzog has broken the silence, offering a more measured reflection: “May his memory inspire acts of kindness and hope for humanity.” His words stand alone, a lone olive branch in an otherwise barren official response.

The rationale behind the muted reaction is no mystery. In recent months, Pope Francis’ remarks on the conflict in Gaza have struck a nerve with the Israeli government. He has described the violence not as warfare but as “cruelty,” and accused Israeli forces of acts as grave as “mowing down children with machine guns.” His Easter «Urbi et Orbi» address only deepened the rift, labeling the situation in Gaza as “shameful” and expressing solidarity with both Israelis and Palestinians, while also voicing alarm over a global rise in antisemitism.

For Jerusalem, these comments have crossed an invisible line—seen not just as criticism, but as a challenge to the moral framing of Israel’s military actions. In turn, the government’s silence in the wake of Francis’ death is being interpreted not merely as a snub, but as a political statement.

Yet for many observers, the response—particularly the censorship of condolence posts—is deeply troubling. Pope Francis, though outspoken on matters of peace and justice, consistently extended his concern to «all» victims of violence, regardless of nationality or faith. His papacy was marked by a continuous effort to balance compassion with moral clarity, often walking a delicate line that few world figures attempt to navigate.

Ironically, in silencing their own expressions of respect, Israel’s leaders may have drawn even more attention to the late pontiff’s calls for humanity and reconciliation. Rather than diminishing his message, their reaction underscores the very tensions Francis sought to address.

With information from the Corriere newspaper.

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The day before his death was Easter Sunday, and though visibly weakened from recent illness, Francis stood once again on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the Urbi et Orbi blessing. It was an act of faith and endurance—his voice still strong with conviction as he addressed the city and the world. But it was not the final surprise of the day.

In an unannounced gesture that now takes on the tone of farewell, Francis asked to ride one last time in the popemobile. “Do you think I can do it?” he asked his personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti. Strappetti encouraged him. Moments later, Francis, frail but smiling, was circling St. Peter’s Square.

Returning to Casa Santa Marta, the Pope rested and shared a simple evening meal. Nothing in those hours suggested how close the end truly was. But at dawn the next day, around 5:30 a.m., his condition worsened. Surrounded by those who had accompanied him throughout his illness—chief among them Strappetti—he made a final gesture of farewell, lifting his hand slightly from the bed. Then, peacefully and without suffering, he entered into a coma. Not long after, he passed.

Those who were with him describe the moment not as dramatic or tragic, but deeply serene. A quiet end for a pope who had chosen simplicity from the moment he stepped onto the balcony in 2013 and introduced himself with a humble “Buona sera.”

“Thank you for bringing me back to the Square,” he told Strappetti. It was more than gratitude for a physical return to a place. It was a recognition of something deeper—the heart of Francis’ mission: to walk with the people, touch their wounds, and meet them where they are. His papacy was never one of distance or protocol, but of proximity.

Throughout his final months, Strappetti had become not only a caregiver but a trusted companion—present through surgeries, recovery, and fatigue. It was he who had once advised the Pope to undergo the colon surgery that prolonged his life. Later, he was appointed personal healthcare assistant, a role he carried with tireless devotion. His presence at the Pope’s bedside in the last hours was no accident—it was the fruit of years of care and silent companionship.

Francis’ death, just a day after Easter, has been seen by many as symbolically fitting. The resurrection he had preached only hours before now became the hope to which he entrusted his soul.

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The mood in the room was one of reverence and resolve. The session began at 9:00 a.m. with a moment of prayer for the late pontiff, whose absence now leaves the See of Peter vacant. With the Apostolic Constitution «Universi Dominici Gregis» as their guide, the cardinals reaffirmed their commitment to the Church’s  protocols during the *sede vacante*, the period between papacies.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camarlengo of the Church, read aloud Pope Francis’ spiritual testament—a deeply personal document released to the world the evening before.

The cardinals also recited the «Adsumus», a traditional invocation of the Holy Spirit, invoking divine guidance in the delicate and momentous work ahead.

This initial meeting, which lasted about ninety minutes, was also logistical. Funeral arrangements and liturgical timelines were established. The second General Congregation was scheduled for the following afternoon (wednesday, april 23), which will allow cardinals to accompany the transfer of Pope Francis’ casket from the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica in the morning. There, his body will lie in state, and the Church will begin its public mourning.

The funeral Mass has been set for Sunday, April 27. This will be the second in the series of «Novendiali» Masses, the traditional nine days of liturgy offered for the repose of the pope’s soul. These daily liturgies, each held at 5:00 p.m., are both acts of mourning and profound continuity—public reminders that the Church grieves, prays, and ultimately presses forward.

In accordance with canon law, the cardinals also drew lots to appoint the three rotating members of the commission that assists the Camerlengo—currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell—in managing the day-to-day affairs of the Church during the interregnum. Representing the three orders of cardinals—bishops, priests, and deacons—the chosen were Cardinal Parolin, Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, and Cardinal Fabio Baggio. These roles rotate every three days to ensure transparency and balance in decision-making.

A more symbolic yet telling gesture was the decision to pause all beatification ceremonies until the election of the next pope. It is a reminder that certain ecclesial acts require more than just administration—they demand the moral and spiritual imprimatur of the Bishop of Rome.

While the precise date for the conclave has yet to be set, the College of Cardinals has begun the careful, prayerful journey toward selecting the next spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics. In the coming days, more cardinals from around the world will arrive in Rome, bringing with them the stories, hopes, and challenges of their local churches.

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By their nature, Beatifications do not require the presence of a Pope. In the final weeks before his death, Pope Francis had authorized several. In fact, after approving some from the hospital, he announced a Congregation of Cardinals to discuss the dates. This Consistory was never possible. The General Congregation held on the morning of Tuesday, April 22, addressed this issue without Francis.

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On Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., the first day of the Novendiary, the Funeral Mass of the Roman Pontiff Francis will be celebrated on the parvis of St. Peter’s Basilica, in accordance with the provisions of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (nos. 82-109).

The Funeral Liturgy will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Concelebration is possible. 

At the end of the Eucharistic Celebration, the final Commendatio and Valedictio will take place. The Roman Pontiff’s coffin will then be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica and from there to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial.

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After a moment of prayer, presided over by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, the transfer will begin.

The procession will pass through Piazza Santa Marta and Piazza dei Protomartii Romani; from the Arch of the Bells, it will exit to Sain Peter’s Square and enter the Vatican Basilica through the main entrance.

At the Altar of Confession, the Cardinal Camerlengo will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, at the end of which the visitation of the Roman Pontiff’s body will begin.

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– CEREBRAL APOPLEXY

– COMA

– IRREVERSIBLE CARDIOVASCULAR COLLAPSE” 

It is added that the Pope was suffering from:

– A previous episode of acute respiratory failure due to bilateral multi- microbial pneumonia,

– Multiple bronchiectasis,

– High blood pressure, and

– Type II diabetes

The record ends by stating that «The death was confirmed by electro-cardio-anatomical recording» and stating that «to the best of my knowledge and understanding, the causes of death are those indicated above.»

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* *.*

Miserando Atque Eligendo

In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.

Feeling that the end of my earthly life is approaching, and with a deep hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only regarding the place of my burial. I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I wish that my earthly journey end in this ancient Marian Shrine, to which I turned in prayer at the beginning and end of each Apostolic Journey, to confidently entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and to thank her for her docile and maternal care.

I request that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the lateral nave between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica, as indicated in the attached annex. 

The tomb must be in the ground; simple, without particular decoration, and with the only inscription: Franciscus. 

The expenses for the preparation of my burial will be covered by the generous sum I have provided, to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, for which I have given appropriate instructions to Monsignor Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberia Chapter.

May the Lord grant the deserved reward to those who have loved me and will continue to pray for me. The suffering that was present in the last part of my life I offered to the Lord for world peace and brotherhood among peoples.

Santa Marta, June 29, 2022

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The Office for Liturgical Celebrations, by order of the Cardinal Camerlengo, has asked the Roman Pontiff’s family members, the Director and Vice-Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of Vatican City State, to participate in the Rite of the College of Cardinals. They have been asked to be present at 7:45 p.m. in the Chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae.

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