The Death and Funeral of Pope Francis

[Hans-Rickard]

Yes, because King Frederik will be doing a, for DK, very important visit to Japan and then straight to Greenland. Christian is perhaps a little too green for such an attendance, so Queen Mary is just right.

I thought the same… With the King unable and the Crown Prince too inexperienced to travel to such an event alone, The Queen or QMII was the natural options.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

It's not like they had much choice. A papal funeral has to take place 4 to 6 days after the Pope's death. Francis died on the 21st, so the possible dates were April 25,26 and 27. The 25th is a National holiday in Italy (anniversary of the Liberation- end of WW2- 80 years this year), and the 27th is a Sunday. Saturday was basically the only possible choice

Could you elaborate on "the 27th is a Sunday"? Does Christianity/Catholicism discourage holding funerals on a Sunday?

 

[polyesco]

Here is the announcement from the DRF.

DET DANSKE KONGEHUS 🇩🇰 on Instagram: "Hendes Majestæt Dronningen deltager sammen med repræsentanter fra hele verden, når Hans Hellighed Pave Frans mindes ved en højtidelig begravelsesmesse på Peterspladsen i Vatikanstaten på lørdag klokken 10.00🇻🇦 O

7,387 likes, 16 comments - detdanskekongehus on April 23, 2025: "Hendes Majestæt Dronningen deltager sammen med repræsentanter fra hele verden, når Hans Hellighed Pave Frans mindes ved en højtidelig begravelsesmesse på Peterspladsen i Vatikanstaten på lørdag klokken 10.00🇻🇦 On Saturday, 26...

www.instagram.com

It makes perfect sense for Queen Mary to represent the King and the DRF. King Frederik has a late dinner with the Emperor of Japan on the 25th. The schedule would be close to impossible.
Crown Prince Christian stays as regent and he is also back at his military training.

Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit will represent Norway for the funeral.

That is great to see, especially taking in mind Mette-Marit's illness. But it's great to see her with the Heir of Norway represent the NRF.

 

[carlota]

The Privilege du Blanc is only worn for a formal audience with the living Pope not at his funeral.
Queen Sofia and Queen Paola all wore black at the Funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.
Royal Guests at the Funeral of Pope John Paul II

i believe they can also wear it for the inauguration of the pope and for canonisation events, see here.

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain thrilled at first meeting with the Pope

Members of Europe's leading royal families gathered in the Vatican City on Sunday to see Pope Francis canonise Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII

www.hellomagazine.com

 

[iceflower]

King Willem-Alexander has attended a memorial mass for Pope Francis at the Nicolas Cathedral in Amsterdam this evening:

** Pic ** anp gallery **

https://twitter.com/x/status/1915124117721764319

 

[sophie25]

i believe they can also wear it for the inauguration of the pope and for canonisation events, see here.

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain thrilled at first meeting with the Pope

Members of Europe's leading royal families gathered in the Vatican City on Sunday to see Pope Francis canonise Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII

www.hellomagazine.com

So a good chance then the Catholic Queens/Princess Consorts who have the privilege, will use it when attending the next Pope's installation.

 

[Somebody]

Could you elaborate on "the 27th is a Sunday"? Does Christianity/Catholicism discourage holding funerals on a Sunday?

It is considered undesirable to have a funeral on Sunday - although it is not forbidden. According to the Roman Catholic tradition, funerals, however, are not to be held between Maundy Thursday and Easter nor on Sundays during Advent, Lent and Easter. So, if there is an alternative, it makes sense to pick a different day.

Can a funeral Mass be offered on Sunday? - Arlington Catholic Herald

Canonically and theoretically, a Catholic funeral Mass may be offered on most Sundays during the year.

www.catholicherald.com

 

[Tatiana Maria]

It is considered undesirable to have a funeral on Sunday - although it is not forbidden. According to the Roman Catholic tradition, funerals, however, are not to be held between Maundy Thursday and Easter nor on Sundays during Advent, Lent and Easter. So, if there is an alternative, it makes sense to pick a different day.

Can a funeral Mass be offered on Sunday? - Arlington Catholic Herald

Canonically and theoretically, a Catholic funeral Mass may be offered on most Sundays during the year.

www.catholicherald.com

Thanks! So it is not a strict rule but a norm to avoid interference with other religious observances.

 

[Mbruno]

That is great to see, especially taking in mind Mette-Marit's illness. But it's great to see her with the Heir of Norway represent the NRF.

More importantly, it is very positive that all reigning Protestant royal families of Europe, with the notable exception of the Dutch RF, will be represented at the Pope's funeral.

That is significant given the history of conflict between the Protestant monarchies and the Holy See dating back to the time of the Reformation, and reflects the improving relations between the Roman Catholic Church and some historic Protestant denominations, especially the Lutheran and Anglican churches (but not so much the Calvinist/ Reformed churches).

So a good chance then the Catholic Queens/Princess Consorts who have the privilege, will use it when attending the next Pope's installation.

Yes, it is practically a given that the Queens consort of Belgium and Spain, and the Grand Duchess consort of Luxembourg, as well as the Queens emerita of Belgium and Spain, will wear white at the next Pope's enthronement, if they attend it.

 

[Izzie]

That is great to see, especially taking in mind Mette-Marit's illness. But it's great to see her with the Heir of Norway represent the NRF.

oh lovely to see that Mette-Marit is scheduled to attend with Crown Prince Haakon. And yes, she has always tried to do as much as she can, including travel, despite her debilitating chronic illness.

 

[Marengo]

King Willem-Alexander has attended a memorial mass for Pope Francis at the Nicolas Cathedral in Amsterdam this evening:

** Pic ** anp gallery **

https://twitter.com/x/status/1915124117721764319

The mass was at the cathedral in front of the central station, which only a few months ago was elevated from a church to a cathedral by pope Francis. The cathedral is rather busy these days, also due to the number of expats from South-America. It has masses in Spanish as well.

Mgr. Hendriks, bisshop of Haarlem-Amsterdam -who officiated the mass- greeted Martine van Loon-Labouchère on the front row, former grand mistress of the court under Beatrix and widow of Jhr. Maurits van Loon of the Van Loon museum on the Keizersgracht. She attended a mass in the same church in 2013 to give thanks for the reign of Queen Beatrix, still officiated by Mgr. Punt, the previous bisshop.

 

[sophie25]

More importantly, it is very positive that all reigning Protestant royal families of Europe, with the notable exception of the Dutch RF, will be represented at the Pope's funeral.

That is significant given the history of conflict between the Protestant monarchies and the Holy See dating back to the time of the Reformation, and reflects the improving relations between the Roman Catholic Church and some historic Protestant denominations, especially the Lutheran and Anglican churches (but not so much the Calvinist/ Reformed churches).


Yes, it is practically a given that the Queens consort of Belgium and Spain, and the Grand Duchess consort of Luxembourg, as well as the Queens emerita of Belgium and Spain, will wear white at the next Pope's enthronement, if they attend it.

I'm guessing most of them will.

 

[maria-olivia]

Will Queen Mathilde , Queen Letizia and the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg have " le privilège du blanc" for the Funerals ?
For the Savoie , the Widow , the ex wife of her Daughter ?

 

[Mbruno]

So a good chance then the Catholic Queens/Princess Consorts who have the privilege, will use it when attending the next Pope's installation.

Will Queen Mathilde , Queen Letizia and the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg have " le privilège du blanc" for the Funerals ?
For the Savoie , the Widow , the ex wife of her Daughter ?

No, as explained in previous posts, they are expected to dress in black for the funeral. But they will dress in white for the inauguration of the next Pope.

 

[Blog Real]

This evening, Cardinal Baldassare Reina prayed the Rosary in Santa Maria Maggiore, the third Rosary prayed in memory of Pope Francis in the papal Basilica.

 

[Moonmaiden23]

I watched a TV documentary on the history of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore last night. I was stunned...it almost rivals St Peter's Basilica for splendor.

It is a more than fitting resting place for a pope, imo.

 

[Curryong]

From Australia News

Governor-General Sam Mostyn will represent Australia at the funeral for Pope Francis to pay their respects on behalf of the nation.
Anthony Albanese has announced Australia’s Ambassador designate to the Holy See Keith Pitt, Trade Minister Don Farrell and former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack (of the Opposition) join Ms Mostyn in the Australian contingent at service in Rome on Saturday evening Australian time. ‘

We are in full election mode at the moment and though I’m sure PM Anthony Albanese would love to be present (he is a Roman Catholic I believe) he won’t be attending. The GG usually represents Australia at these kinds of events.

 

[An Ard Ri]

Queen Mary of Denmark will attend the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, the danish royal court has confirmed.

LIVE Pave Frans er død 88 år gammel

www.dr.dk

It makes perfect sense to send Mary seeing as the King is in Japan and then on another visit.
The Crown Prince is a little too young for such a solemn occasion.

Last night the family of an Irish nun who used to visit the Bergoglio family in Buenos Aires and cared for the infant future Pope were speaking on the news.
Sr Maria Olivia who was born in Cavan,Ireland in 1889 was a member of the Little Sisters of the Assumption and had arrived in Argentina in 1923.
Sr Olivia was trained as a nurse and midwife and often helped immigrant families in Buenos Aires.
The Bergoglio family had sought assistance as the late Pope's mother was pregnant and she later gave birth to the future Pope.
Sr Maria Olivia died in October 1976.
Little did Maria Olivia know that the infant she was looking after would later become Pope Francis!
https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/202...tle-known connection between,at the age of 88.

The mass was at the cathedral in front of the central station, which only a few months ago was elevated from a church to a cathedral by pope Francis. The cathedral is rather busy these days, also due to the number of expats from South-America. It has masses in Spanish as well.

Mgr. Hendriks, bisshop of Haarlem-Amsterdam -who officiated the mass- greeted Martine van Loon-Labouchère on the front row, former grand mistress of the court under Beatrix and widow of Jhr. Maurits van Loon of the Van Loon museum on the Keizersgracht. She attended a mass in the same church in 2013 to give thanks for the reign of Queen Beatrix, still officiated by Mgr. Punt, the previous bisshop.

Its status is that of a Co-Cathedral and the basilica was elevated on February 1st, 2025 by the late Pope Francis.
This means that it does not have full Cathedral Status and it now shares it with St Barvo's in Haarlem.
Amsterdam was not the seat of the Diocese and the bishop resided in Haarlem.
The Diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam was only founded in 2008 (prior to that it was the Diocese of Haarlem.)
St Nicholas church was elevated to that of a minor basilica in 2012.



Anyone know where the queen was and why the king attended alone?
A few extra photos from the Dutch Mass with the king
PPE Agency

 

[Jem]

Its status is that of a Co-Cathedral and the basilica was elevated on February 1st, 2025 by the late Pope Francis.
This means that it does not have full Cathedral Status and it now shares it with St Barvo's in Haarlem.
Amsterdam was not the seat of the Diocese and the bishop resided in Haarlem.
The Diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam was only founded in 2008 (prior to that it was the Diocese of Haarlem.)
St Nicholas church was elevated to that of a minor basilica in 2012.



Anyone know where the queen was and why the king attended alone
A few extra photos from the Dutch Mass with the king
PPE Agency

Queen Maxima is currently in New York attending a meeting correlated with her work with United Nations.

 

[Alondra]

White is a traditional royal color of mourning, so I don't necessarily see a conflict.

Having said that, they wore black at Pope John Paul II's funeral back in 2005.

White is a mourning tradition in Asian countries, but I don't remember any royals ever wearing white at the funeral of a Pope.

The privilege du blanc was a Vatican privilege that was given to Catholic royalty for audiences with the pope. And I say was, because the custom has been relaxed for many years now.

The white privilege doesn't apply to a pope funeral.

 

[Mbruno]

White is a mourning tradition in Asian countries, but I don't remember any royals ever wearing white at the funeral of a Pope.

The privilege du blanc was a Vatican privilege that was given to Catholic royalty for audiences with the pope. And I say was, because the custom has been relaxed for many years now.

The white privilege doesn't apply to a pope funeral.

No, it doesn't apply to papal funerals,, but see more about the royal tradition of white mourning here. It was historically associated mostly with the French monarchy, but has made a brief comeback recently in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Further details on the Anglican Communion delegation that will attend the funeral of Pope Francis

 

[An Ard Ri]

No, it doesn't apply to papal funerals,, but see more about the royal tradition of white mourning here. It was historically associated mostly with the French monarchy, but has made a brief comeback recently in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The 'Reine Blanche' was a French Royal custom for French queens upon the death of the their spouse the King.
The Queen would be locked away at the Hôtel de Cluny, in Paris for 40 days and was obliged to wear white robes.
Catherine de Médicis did away with that custom and adapted the colours black with a white ruff.

I cannot recall white ever being worn by a Royal Lady at a Papal Funeral.

Its been reported that over 50,000 have filed past Pope Francis Lying In State at St Peters

Chef José Andrés and founder of World Central Kitchen spoke to CNN's Anderson Cooper about Pope Francis’s humanitarian legacy

Mourners from around the world react on the death of the Pope​

Some footage from Mexico City,Madrid ,Buenos Aires ,Gaza as mourners pay tribute to the late Pope

 

[Blog Real]

Yesterday, Infanta Elena signed the book of condolences to Pope Francis at the Apostolic Nunciature in Madrid.

La infanta Elena solo tiene buenas palabras para el papa Francisco: "Nos ha dado muchas lecciones de vida"

No cesan las muestras de cariño hacia el papa Francisco. De las últimas en firmar el libro de condolencias ha sido la infanta Elena, que solo ha tenido buenas palabras para el pontífice.

www.antena3.com

La Infanta Elena recuerda al Papa Francisco en la Nunciatura: "Nos ha dado muchas lecciones de vida"

La Infanta Elena se ha dejado ver este miércoles, 23 de abril, en la Nunciatura Apostólica para firmar en...

www.europapress.es

 

[taogg]

Speaking of the Emperor of Japan (or the King of Thailand), I don't think it's their norm to send royals to attend a pope's funeral. But I can't recall if any royal representatives have attended a papal inauguration either. I'll leave that to the thread on the pope's election/inauguration.

 

[An Ard Ri]

Speaking of the Emperor of Japan (or the King of Thailand), I don't think it's their norm to send royals to attend a pope's funeral. But I can't recall if any royal representatives have attended a papal inauguration either. I'll leave that to the thread on the pope's election/inauguration.

Japan sent its foreign Minister to Pope John Paul II's Funeral and Thailand sent its Deputy PM.

 

[Adda]

Prince Carlos Javier of Bourbon-Parma, Duke of Parma and Piacenza, will attend Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday.

 

[Somebody]

Prince Carlos Javier of Bourbon-Parma, Duke of Parma and Piacenza, will attend Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday.

No surprise. I expect he will pass on a personal message from his cousin, king Willem-Alexander.

 

[iceflower]

Prince Carlos attended a memorial mass at the Sint-Jacobs de Meerderekerk in Den Haag yesterday, April 24.

When being asked about him attending the funeral on Saturday he replied "I am very grateful for that. My family has had very good ties with the Vatican for centuries".

Prins Carlos gaat naar de uitvaart van de paus: "Ik ben heel dankbaar"

Hij is het enige lid van de koninklijke familie dat zaterdag in Rome is.

blauwbloed.eo.nl

Inloggen

www.vorsten.nl

And King Albert and Queen Paola attended a mass at the Koekelberg Basilica in Brussels yesterday evening:

Le roi Albert et la reine Paola ont fait le déplacement: une messe d'hommage au pape François a rassemblé des milliers de Belges

Les marques d'hommage au pape François, décédé lundi, se multiplient aux quatre coins du monde. Hier soir, à Bruxelles, une messe a rassemblé 2.000 fidèles dont le roi émérite Albert et la reine Paola.

www.rtl.be

 

[An Ard Ri]

By 7pm yesterday over 100,000 people had paid their respects to the Pope's lying in State at the Vatican ,most had queued up to 4 hours.

Irish President Higgins and his wife Sabina have travelled to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.
Today the President and First Lady will also pay their respects today at the lying-in-state of the late Pope at St Peter's Basilica.

 

[Linda_26]

A Mass in the memory of the late Pope Francis took place yesterday in Brussels, at the Basilica of Koekelberg. It was also attended by King Albert and Queen Paola:

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1431345221356846&id=100034441465185