By Joy Yesufu
The funeral of Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, the Holy See Press Office confirmed on Tuesday.
The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and concelebrated by a host of Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from around the world, marking a solemn farewell to a Pope who led the Catholic Church with humility and compassion.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Ultima Commendatio and Valedictio rites will take place before Pope Francis’ body is taken into St. Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for his final entombment.
In preparation for the funeral, the Pope’s coffin will be moved from the chapel of Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23. The Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will lead the Rite of Translation, beginning with a moment of prayer at 9:00 a.m.
According to the Vatican, the procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, exit via the Arch of the Bells, and enter the basilica through the central door. At the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will preside over a Liturgy of the Word, after which public viewing of the late pontiff will commence.
The Vatican had earlier confirmed that Pope Francis died peacefully on Easter Monday at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, at exactly 7:35 a.m.
Cardinal Farrell, as Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, officially announced the Pope’s passing, triggering a period of mourning and reflection for Catholics worldwide.
