The funeral Mass for Pope Francis will happen this Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time in St. Peter’s Square, as announced by the Vatican. The service will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who is the Dean of the College of Cardinals. It will be a major event attended by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from all over the world.
As reported by Vatican News, The ceremony will end with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, which mark the start of the Novemdiales, a nine-day period of mourning and Masses held for the late Pope’s soul.
After the funeral Mass, Pope Francis’s body will be taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome for burial. This breaks with tradition, as he will be the first pope in more than a hundred years not to be buried in St. Peter’s Basilica. This decision reflects Pope Francis’s personal connection to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he wanted to be buried near a statue of the Virgin Mary, per People.
Pope Francis is breaking funeral traditions
Pope Francis had mentioned this wish in 2023 during an interview with a Mexican broadcaster, saying the burial site was already prepared. His final will also stated that he wanted a simple burial “in the ground, without special decoration,” with only his papal name, “Franciscus,” written in Latin. Unlike traditional papal burials, his instructions did not include the usual three coffins, but they’ll likely be used.
The public will have a chance to pay their respects to the late Pope. A viewing will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday, April 23, through Friday, April 25, giving mourners plenty of time to visit. The body will be moved from the Casa Santa Marta, where the Pope lived, to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM local time. Cardinal Kevin Farrell will oversee the “rite of translation.”
The Basilica will be open to the public from 11:00 AM to midnight on Wednesday, 7:00 AM to midnight on Thursday, and 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Friday. The funeral is expected to draw many world leaders and dignitaries. President Donald Trump confirmed that he and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the service.
Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death was caused by a cerebral stroke, which led to a coma and an irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. In recent months, he had faced several health struggles, including hospitalization for bronchitis and later developing double pneumonia and a bronchospasm.
Related: Following Pope Francis’ death, here are the top contenders for next Pope
The death of Pope Francis begins the process of choosing his successor. The conclave, where cardinals gather to elect a new pope, must take place within 15 to 20 days of the Pope’s death.
Published: Apr 22, 2025 11:00 am