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 announced Tuesday.
The solemn Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and clergy from around the world, reflecting the global impact of Pope Francis’ papacy.
According to the official statement, the Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the traditional Ultima commendatio and Valedictio rites. Following the Mass, the late Pope’s body will be transported to St. Peter’s Basilica, and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment.
In preparation for the funeral, the coffin containing Pope Francis’ body will be moved from the chapel of Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, during a solemn rite of translation. This ceremony, which begins at 9:00 a.m., will be led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
The funeral procession will travel through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, exit through the Arch of the Bells, and enter St. Peter’s Basilica via the central door. At the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, after which the faithful may begin paying their respects to the late pontiff.
The Vatican previously confirmed that Pope Francis passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta. The announcement was made by Cardinal Farrell, who reported that the Holy Father died at 7:35 a.m.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and was known for his humility, progressive views, and dedication to social justice.
