Pope Francis’ Funeral Set for Saturday: Vatican Confirms

Pope Francis Funeral: The Vatican announced that Pope Francis’ funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 1:30 p.m. (IST). The Vatican has released the official photos of the casket.

Pope’s Funeral Location:

This time, there’s a major change, sources confirm that Pope Francis’ funeral won’t be held in the Vatican. In 2022, he had expressed his wish not to be buried there, saying, “I should be buried away from the Vatican.” He chose Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica as his final resting place. Following this decision, the dean of the College of Cardinals will lead the funeral proceedings. This is going to be held for the span of four to six days. Reports indicate that the Pope’s body will lie in a casket for public viewing.

According to Vatican News, the late Pope’s body will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday at 9:00 AM. It will lie in state until the funeral on Saturday at 10:00 AM. The Holy See Press Office announced that Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the funeral Mass. Following that, joined by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from around the world.

Also Read: Pope Francis Won’t be buried in Basilica: Breaking Traditions?

They also confirmed that the Pope’s body will first be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a transfer to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment. Additionally, they stated that the procession will begin at Santa Marta Square and continue through the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs.

In conclusion, the procession will end at the Arch of the Bells and enter St. Peter’s Basilica through the central door.

Take A Look At The Tweet:

The body of the late Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday at 9:00 AM to lie in state until his funeral on Saturday morning at 10:00 AM.

The Holy See Press Office announced on Tuesday that Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of… pic.twitter.com/ObGjYl7Bi7

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 22, 2025