Pope Francis's funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT) in front of St. Peter's Basilica, as announced by the Vatican. The date was confirmed after cardinals convened in Vatican City on Tuesday morning, April 22, to discuss the timing of the funeral. Following his passing on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, tributes have poured in from around the globe.
In preparation for the funeral, Pope Francis's body will lie in an open casket at St. Peter's Basilica starting Wednesday morning, April 23, allowing mourners to pay their respects. Currently, his body is resting in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he lived throughout his 12-year papacy. The transfer of his body from Santa Marta to St. Peter's Basilica will occur in a procession beginning at 09:00 local time on Wednesday, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is acting as the camerlengo—the official who manages the Vatican after the death or resignation of a pope.
Cardinal Farrell will lead a moment of prayer before the procession, which will start from Saint Martha's Square and conclude at St. Peter's Square, entering the church through the central doors. In a departure from tradition, there will be no private viewing for cardinals, as requested by the Pope himself; additionally, his coffin will not be placed on a pedestal.
The funeral service on Saturday will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. It is expected to attract a significant number of attendees, including dignitaries from around the world. By 08:30 on Saturday, archbishops and bishops will gather in the Constantine Wing of the basilica, dressed in liturgical attire, while priests will assemble in St. Peter's Square. Patriarchs and cardinals will convene in Saint Sebastian Chapel at 09:00, also in their ceremonial garments.
After the service, which will conclude with the final commendation and valediction, marking the start of nine days of mourning, the pontiff's body will be taken inside the church before being transported to St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome for burial. Notably, Pope Francis chose to be buried at St. Mary Major rather than in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica, making him the first pope in over a century to do so. He also requested a single wooden casket, eschewing the traditional three nested coffins of his predecessors.
Following the funeral, a conclave of cardinals will convene to elect a successor. The dean of the College of Cardinals has a window of 15 to 20 days to summon the cardinals to Rome once the Pope is buried. Pope Francis's death certificate, released by the Vatican, indicated that he died from a stroke that led to irreversible heart failure. His health had been declining, with a recent hospitalization for double pneumonia.
Born in Argentina, Pope Francis was elected as the first Latin American pope in 2013. His papacy was characterized by a more progressive approach, addressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and the treatment of marginalized communities. His death has prompted global reflections on his legacy; many leaders and citizens have expressed their condolences and admiration for his work.
As the world mourns, national mourning periods have been declared in several countries, including Italy, Brazil, and Argentina. In Argentina, where he was born, the obelisk in Buenos Aires was illuminated with a projection of the phrase "pray for me" in Spanish, honoring the late pontiff.
International leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, have confirmed their attendance at the funeral. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
In the Philippines, thousands gathered to pray and reflect on Pope Francis's legacy, while in Japan, flags flew at half-mast in tribute. The Indian government has also declared a three-day mourning period, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing condolences despite recent tensions with the Christian community.
Many have shared personal stories of how Pope Francis impacted their lives. For example, Argentinian football star Lionel Messi paid tribute on social media, recalling their meeting in 2013. Similarly, Grace Enjei, a migrant who settled in Italy with the pope's assistance, expressed gratitude for his support.
As the funeral approaches, the Vatican has sealed the doors of Pope Francis's apartments, a traditional ritual following a pope's death. This solemn period marks not only the end of his papacy but also the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
In a poignant reflection, Pope Francis wrote in the preface for a new book that "death is not the end of everything, but the beginning of something." This sentiment encapsulates the hope that many hold for the future of the Church as it prepares for the transition to a new leader.
As the world watches, the legacy of Pope Francis—a pope who sought to connect with the marginalized and challenge the status quo—will undoubtedly continue to resonate in the hearts of millions. His funeral will not only serve as a farewell but also as a reminder of the values he championed during his time as the leader of the Catholic Church.
