Pope Francis Laid to Rest as Youth Gather in Tribute: A Reflection on the Papacy’s Enduring Legacy

On April 26, 2025, Pope Francis was laid to rest in Vatican City following a solemn funeral Mass attended by nearly 250,000 mourners, including global dignitaries and religious leaders. His passing marked the end of a transformative papacy that redefined the Catholic Church’s relationship with the modern world. The following day, nearly 200,000 young

Catholics gathered at St. Peter’s Square in a powerful tribute, a testament to the deep bond Pope Francis had forged with youth worldwide.

According to Reuters and Global News, the emotional gathering reflected the Pope’s vision of a Church that actively engages and empowers young people — a hallmark of his leadership.

A Historical Institution: Origins of the Papacy

The Catholic papacy is one of the oldest continuous institutions in the world. Its history dates back almost two thousand years, beginning with Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles. According to Catholic tradition, Peter was appointed by Christ as the leader of his followers and is considered the first Bishop of Rome — thus, the first Pope.

Peter’s role was established by Jesus’s words in the Gospel of Matthew:"You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my Church" (Matthew 16:18).Peter was later martyred in Rome around 64 AD under the reign of Emperor Nero. His tomb is believed to be located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City today.

Since then, the line of popes — often referred to as the Petrine Succession — has continued through centuries of dramatic history, including the fall of the Roman Empire, the rise of medieval Christendom, the Reformation, and the modern era. The papacy evolved from being primarily a spiritual authority to wielding significant political and diplomatic influence throughout history.

How a Pope is Chosen: The Conclave Process

When a Pope dies or resigns, the process to select a successor is called a Conclave.The word comes from the Latin cum clave meaning "with a key," referring to the cardinals being locked away to deliberate in secrecy.

The process is as follows:

• Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote.

• The cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.

• After prayer and discussions, they cast their votes in multiple ballots each day until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority.

• After each voting session, ballots are burned — black smoke (created by burning ballots with chemicals) signals no decision, while white smoke signals a successful election.

• Upon accepting, the new pope chooses a papal name and is presented to the public with the phrase "Habemus Papam" ("We have a Pope").

(Learn more at the Vatican's explanation of the Conclave.)

The College of Cardinals will soon begin this sacred process to find a successor to Pope Francis. Analysts suggest that, given Francis’s progressive yet pragmatic approach, the next pope may be chosen to balance continuity with tradition.

Pope Francis: A Pontificate of Mercy and Reform

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected in March 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, who had resigned — the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years.

Francis made history as:

• The first Jesuit pope

• The first pope from the Americas

• The first pope to take the name "Francis," after St. Francis of Assisi, symbolizing humility and care for creation

Throughout his papacy, Francis emphasized:

• Social justice — championing the poor, migrants, and marginalized

• Environmental stewardship — publishing Laudato Si' on caring for the planet

• Church reform — increasing financial transparency and addressing sexual abuse scandals

• Dialogue — fostering relations with other Christian denominations, Judaism, Islam, and non-believers

His engagement with youth, notably through World Youth Day and the document Christus Vivit, emphasized their vital role in shaping the future of the Church.

Youth Gather to Mourn and Celebrate

The youth vigil on April 27, 2025, highlighted Francis’s enduring influence. Speeches, prayers, and testimonies from young Catholics shared how Francis’s call for authenticity, compassion, and activism had shaped their lives.

Organizers described the gathering as a “celebration of life and mission,” reflecting the late pope’s belief that young people are "not the future of the Church, but the now of God."

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia told Global News,"Francis trusted the young to challenge and renew the Church. This gathering is their way of saying ‘thank you’."

Global Reactions and Next Steps

World leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, praised Francis for his advocacy of peace and justice. Many noted that his death leaves a significant void, not only for Catholics but for the global community.

With the papal seat now vacant, speculation about the next pope is underway. Possible contenders include:

• Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy) — a moderate with a strong background in social justice

• Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana) — known for environmental advocacy

• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines) — a charismatic figure from the Global South

The next pope will face pressing challenges: continuing internal reforms, addressing secularization in the West, and navigating complex geopolitical tensions.

Legacy of Pope Francis

Pope Francis leaves a lasting legacy as a bridge-builder — between faith and reason, Church and society, tradition and change.His teachings on mercy, compassion, and the environment will continue to shape Catholic thought for generations.

Above all, Francis showed that leadership is not about grandeur but service. His papacy reminded the world that the Church’s mission is to stand with the vulnerable, speak for the voiceless, and embody Christ’s love for all.

As the Church prepares to choose his successor, the memory of Francis’s humility, courage, and vision will undoubtedly guide the path forward.