…As St. Peter’s Square to host global farewell on Saturday, 26 April
The Vatican has revealed that the funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, 26 April 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, beginning at 10:00 a.m., as preparations continue for what is expected to be a deeply moving farewell attended by religious and political leaders from around the globe.
The announcement was made in an official communiqué from the Holy See Press Office on Tuesday, outlining the rites and ceremonies that will accompany the final journey of the late Pontiff, who died aged 88 on Easter Monday at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, is to lead the funeral Mass. He will be joined by a host of high-ranking clergy, including Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests representing all corners of the Catholic world. The Mass will culminate in the traditional Ultima commendatio and Valedictio, solemn prayers of farewell, after which the Pope’s body will be carried into St. Peter’s Basilica. From there, he will be taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment, in accordance with his final wishes.
Prior to the funeral, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will lead the rite of translation on Wednesday, 23 April. That ceremony will commence at 9:00 a.m. with a moment of silent prayer before a procession moves through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs. It will then proceed through the Arch of the Bells into St. Peter’s Square, finally entering the Basilica through its central doors.
At the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will preside over a Liturgy of the Word, formally marking the beginning of public visitation to the body of the late Pontiff.
Tributes have poured in from across the world since the passing of Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope and the first from the Americas. Known for his emphasis on mercy, social justice, and interfaith dialogue, his papacy left a profound impact on both the Church and global affairs. Heads of state, religious figures, and ordinary faithful continue to share their grief and gratitude for a spiritual leader who often described himself as “a pastor among the people.”
Saturday’s funeral is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of mourners to Rome and will be broadcast live to millions worldwide.
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