By Esi-ife Arogundade
The funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10am in the iconic St. Peter’s Square.
This announcement was made by the Holy See Press Office on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the Mass, which is expected to be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from around the world.
The ceremony will culminate in the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, before the late Pope’s body is transported to St. Peter’s Basilica and subsequently 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 at Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica.
The rite of translation will be led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, on Wednesday, April 23.
This procession will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a moment of prayer, passing through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs before making its way to St. Peter’s Square. Upon reaching St. Peter’s Basilica, the Cardinal Camerlengo will conduct the Liturgy of the Word at the Altar of the Confession.
Following this, the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects to the late Pope as visits to his body commence.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirming the news at 7:35am
This moment marks a significant transition for the Catholic Church, as it mourns the loss of a beloved leader who dedicated his life to serving others.
As preparations for the funeral move forward, the Vatican is likely to see an influx of pilgrims and dignitaries from around the world, united in remembrance and respect for Pope Francis’ legacy and contributions to the Church and society at large.
