Pope Francis’ Funeral to Be Held Saturday at St. Peter’s Square
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26. The funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, where thousands of faithful are expected to gather to bid farewell to the late pontiff. His death was attributed to a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and cardiac failure.
Public Viewing and Funeral Arrangements
The body of Pope Francis was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23, where it will lie in state until the evening of April 25. The public has been allowed to pay their respects, with lines of mourners extending for hours outside the Basilica. The funeral Mass will be officiated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals.
Following the Mass, traditional rites including the Ultima commendatio and Valedictio will be performed. In accordance with his personal wishes, Pope Francis will not be buried in the Vatican Grottoes but instead in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. This choice reflects his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and signals a break from longstanding burial tradition.
Attendance and Security Measures
The funeral is expected to be attended by a host of international dignitaries. Confirmed guests include U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Prince William, representing the British royal family. Massive security arrangements have been put in place, including a no-fly zone over Vatican City and reinforced police deployment throughout Rome.
Legacy and Mourning
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy marked by compassion, simplicity, and reform. He was known for advocating for the poor, marginalized communities, and climate justice. As the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the modern Church, his tenure was defined by efforts to bring the Catholic institution closer to the people and its gospel roots.
A traditional nine-day mourning period, known as the Novendiale, has begun, during which the Church will honor his memory and prepare for the next phase of leadership.
