Barely 24 hours following the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican has announced that funeral for the late pontiff will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 10:00am in St. Peter’s Square.
In an update by the vatican news quoting the Holy See Press Office, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who serves as the Dean of the College of Cardinals, will to lead the liturgy.
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He will be joined by senior clerics from around the world—including Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests—in concelebrating the solemn Eucharistic ceremony.
The Mass will conclude with the traditional rites of Ultima commendatio and Valedictio, signaling the start of the Novemdiales—a nine-day period of mourning and liturgical observance dedicated to praying for the soul of the departed pontiff.
Following the funeral rites, Pope Francis’ body will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica, and eventually to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment.
Ahead of the funeral, on Wednesday, April 23, the late Pope’s coffin will be transferred from the chapel at Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing members of the faithful to pay their final respects.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the transfer ceremony, which will begin at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer.
The procession will proceed through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs. It will continue through the Arch of the Bells, entering St. Peter’s Square and proceeding through the central entrance of the Basilica. Once inside, at the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will lead the Liturgy of the Word. Upon its conclusion, public visitation of the Pope’s body will commence.
