Pope Francis’ Funeral To Be Held On Saturday In St Peter’s Square

vatican funeral pope francis date released

The Vatican has confirmed that the funeral Mass for Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, 26 April 2025, following his death at the age of 88.

The Catholic Church and the world continue to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Monday after suffering a stroke that led to irreversible heart failure. He had previously battled double pneumonia earlier this year. The Holy See has announced that the funeral Mass will be held in St Peter’s Square on Saturday morning at 10:00 AM local time (9:00 AM UK time), with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presiding over the liturgy.

The funeral will mark the beginning of the Novemdiales, a traditional nine-day period of mourning and Masses for the repose of the soul of the deceased Pope. Following the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, Pope Francis will be laid to rest in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, in accordance with his personal wishes. His tomb will bear the Latin inscription of his papal name, Franciscus.

Public Viewing Begins on Wednesday

Pope Francis’ body is currently lying in repose in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, his residence within the Vatican. On Wednesday, 23 April, his coffin will be transferred to St Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their final respects.

The rite of translation will begin at 9:00 AM and be led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. The solemn procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, exiting through the Arch of the Bells and into St Peter’s Basilica via the central doors.

Once inside, at the Altar of the Confession, the Liturgy of the Word will be celebrated. Afterward, pilgrims and mourners will be able to view the Pope’s body, which has been placed in an open casket, dressed in a red papal robe, mitre, and holding a rosary.

A Global Outpouring of Grief

The death of Pope Francis has sparked a wave of mourning around the globe. Bells tolled in cathedrals and chapels from Rome to Buenos Aires, while flags were lowered to half-mast in countries including Italy, India, Taiwan, and the United States.

Pope Francis was the first pontiff from Latin America and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church. His papacy began in 2013 and was marked by a focus on humility, mercy, care for the poor, and environmental stewardship. A lifelong fan of the San Lorenzo football club, matches in Italy and Argentina were suspended in his honour.

World leaders and religious figures alike have expressed their condolences. French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed he will attend the funeral. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected to be present, according to a source from his office.

China, in a rare statement, extended its condolences as well, emphasising its desire to improve relations with the Holy See, despite the complex history between the two states. “China is willing to make joint efforts with the Vatican to promote the continued improvement of China-Vatican relations,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.

A Legacy of Mercy and Reform

Pope Francis’ death has prompted reflection on his lasting legacy. Known for his pastoral heart and reform-minded leadership, he emphasised dialogue, inclusion, and simplicity. He often referred to the Church as a “field hospital” for the wounded and repeatedly urged the faithful to “go out to the peripheries.”

In what may have been one of his final written reflections, the Holy Father penned a moving preface to an upcoming book by Cardinal Angelo Scola. “Death is not the end but the start of something,” he wrote. “It’s a new beginning… because eternal life is to start something that will never end.”

These words now echo with profound poignancy as Catholics prepare to bid farewell to the beloved pontiff.

What Happens Next?

With the funeral set for Saturday, the Church enters the Novemdiales mourning period. After these nine days, the College of Cardinals will gather for the Conclave, the sacred process by which a new Pope is chosen. The Vatican has confirmed that the Conclave is scheduled to begin on 5 May 2025.

Until then, tributes continue to pour in from faithful around the world. Pilgrims, including large groups from Croatia and other countries, have already begun arriving in Rome to pay their respects.

As Pope Francis is laid to rest, the Church remembers a shepherd who challenged, comforted, and called the world to deeper love, humility, and justice. His funeral on Saturday will not only be a moment of farewell, but also a celebration of a pontificate that shaped a decade of Catholic life.