The Funeral of Pope Francis: How does his funeral reflect current funeral trends?

April 2025

In April 2025, the world bid farewell to a pope who was never one for pomp. Pope Francis, who died aged 88, made history not only in life — as the first Jesuit and Latin American pope — but also in death. His funeral, held in St. Peter’s Square on 26 April, will be a striking departure from tradition, a carefully planned reflection of the man himself: humble, environmentally conscious, and acutely aware of the world’s struggles.

While papal funerals are typically lavish affairs, marked by centuries of tradition, Pope Francis haschose something quite different — a pared-back ceremony that quietly echoed a global shift in how we approach death and remembrance. In a time of financial uncertainty, rising living costs, and growing awareness of environmental impact, many people are rethinking funeral norms. As it turns out, even a pope can lead by example when it comes to living — and dying — simply.

Saying Goodbye Without the Gilt

Pope Francis had long made it clear he didn’t want the grandeur associated with his predecessors. In a move that surprised some and inspired others, he personally re-wrote the liturgical script for papal funerals in November 2024. The updated text, known as the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, stripped back pageantry in favour of a solemn, sincere farewell. Gone were the traditional three coffins — one of cypress, another of lead, and a third of oak. Instead, his body was laid to rest in a single, zinc-lined wooden coffin.

There was no catafalque, no papal staff, and none of the traditional regalia. The late pope’s body rested simply on the floor of St. Peter’s Basilica, not raised above others, but level with them. In life, he championed humility; in death, he lived it to the letter.

For many observers, the tone was not only poignant but relatable. This wasn’t just a theological statement — it was a reflection of reality. In 2025, most of us are living with less. We’re watching our bills climb, groceries spike, and housing costs soar. Extravagant send-offs feel out of place in such times. Pope Francis’s modest funeral showed that even one of the most high-profile religious leaders in the world didn’t need opulence to be honoured properly.

A Personal and Purposeful Final Resting Place

In another break from tradition, Pope Francis declined burial beneath St. Peter’s Basilica — the usual resting place for popes. Instead, he chose the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of his most cherished spiritual locations in Rome. He had visited it before and after every foreign trip, often praying before the icon of Mary, Salus Populi Romani.

His tomb, located near the Paolina Chapel, was once used to store candlesticks. It’s a humble, almost hidden niche, bearing only the word Franciscus. No grand monument. No gilded marble. Just a name, a space, and a memory. And in that simplicity, a message: it’s the legacy we leave that matters, not the trappings of our departure.

Eco-Conscious Even in Death

There’s another layer to the simplicity of Francis’s funeral that speaks directly to modern values: sustainability. The decision to forgo the usual triple-coffin tradition significantly reduced the materials used. A single wooden coffin is not only more humble, but also less resource-intensive and more environmentally friendly.

At a time when interest in green funerals is growing rapidly, Pope Francis — who wrote extensively about climate change and ecological responsibility in Laudato Si’ — again aligned his personal values with his final wishes. While he may not have opted for a full eco-burial by modern definitions (which often involve biodegradable shrouds and natural burial grounds), the spirit of sustainability was clear.

His choices mirror a wider movement across the UK and beyond, where families are increasingly seeking environmentally friendly options. From woodland burials to electric hearses, the funeral industry is evolving. Francis’s funeral reminded the world that even in death, we can tread lightly.

A Reflection of the Times

In many ways, the Pope’s funeral reflects where we are as a society. Funerals have long been associated with ritual, grandeur, and show — but the past few years have changed our perspectives. The COVID-19 pandemic made small, intimate services the norm. The economic downturn has made affordability a priority. And growing concern for the planet has made sustainability more than just a buzzword.

A recent report from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority found that the average cost of a funeral in the UK still hovers around £4,000–£5,000 — but many are now actively choosing simpler, cheaper alternatives. Direct cremations, for example, are increasingly popular. First brought into the spotlight by figures like David Bowie, they forgo the service entirely, allowing loved ones to hold private, personalised memorials instead.

This isn’t just about cutting costs. It’s about shifting values. Many people now prefer meaningful goodbyes over performative ones. They want authenticity, not theatrics. They want connection, not convention. Pope Francis’s final wishes, laid out clearly and followed faithfully, mirror that movement.

Lessons from a Life Well Lived — and a Funeral Well Planned

Pope Francis’s funeral may well shape the way future popes are buried. But beyond Vatican City, it offers valuable inspiration for anyone thinking about end-of-life planning — for themselves or a loved one.

At The Farewell Guide, we believe a good goodbye should reflect the values of the life lived — and the needs of the people left behind. That means clarity, simplicity, sustainability, and compassion.

Here’s what we can all take away from the example set by Pope Francis:

1. Pre-planning eases the burden

Francis didn’t leave decisions to others. He made them himself — calmly, clearly, and with purpose. At The Farewell Guide, we help people do exactly that. Whether you’re just beginning to think about your funeral or supporting someone through theirs, knowing what matters makes all the difference.

2. Simplicity adds clarity

The Pope’s funeral showed us that a stripped-back service can carry immense emotional weight. You don’t need grand gestures — just a true reflection of who someone was. We encourage people to consider what’s essential in their farewell, and build from there.

3. Eco-friendly choices are powerful

Even small decisions — like opting for a wooden coffin or choosing a local burial site — can contribute to a more sustainable legacy. We’re proud to support a growing number of green and natural options that honour both the individual and the planet.

4. Personal touches matter most

Francis chose St. Mary Major not because it was traditional, but because it was personal. At The Farewell Guide, we help families find those personal threads — be it music, readings, or location — that make a goodbye feel real and right.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Simplicity

In a world that often celebrates more — more money, more fame, more grandeur — Pope Francis’s funeral was a powerful testament to less. Less extravagance. Less spectacle. Less ego. And yet, in that “less,” there was so much more. More humanity. More authenticity. More relevance.

Here at The Farewell Guide, we believe funerals are not about impressing people. They’re about honouring them. And sometimes, the most meaningful goodbyes come not with a fanfare, but with stillness and sincerity.

So if you’re thinking about what kind of farewell you’d want — or what kind you’d want to give — take a leaf from Pope Francis’s book. Choose what matters. Let go of what doesn’t. And know that simplicity, done right, is anything but small.

We’re here to help, every step of the way.

The Funeral of Pope Francis: How does it reflect current funeral trends?