Public Viewing of Pope Francis’ Body Continues Until Saturday’s Funeral

The Vatican has announced Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will lead the Mass, joined by religious leaders worldwide.

Following the service, the ‘Ultima commendatio’ and ‘Valedictio’ will begin the nine-day mourning period. Pope Francis’ body will then be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica and later entombed in the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Prior to the funeral, on Wednesday, April 23, Cardinal Kevin Farrell will oversee the transfer of the Pope’s body from the Casa Santa Marta chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. This procession, starting at 9:00 AM with prayers, will proceed through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, entering St. Peter’s Square through the Arch of the Bells. At the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will lead a Liturgy of the Word, after which the public can begin paying their respects.

Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, as announced by the Vatican. He was the first Pope from Latin America and led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, reaching the age of 88. The Vatican reported that he died from a stroke, which led to a coma and serious heart problems.

Church bells rang in Catholic churches from his native Argentina to the Philippines and throughout Rome as word spread around the world.

The Pope’s last public message was delivered on Sunday, April 20, 2025, during Easter, where he called for an immediate reiterated ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Pope Francis had been facing health challenges, including chronic lung disease, and was hospitalized on February 14, 2025, due to worsening bronchitis. After a prolonged treatment period, he was discharged on March 23, 2025.

On Tuesday, cardinals will meet to plan Pope Francis’s funeral. Those currently in Rome have been invited to meet at 9:00 a.m. local time (8:00 a.m. BST).

The death of Pope Francis marks the beginning of nine days of official mourning, known as the Novendiales. His funeral and burial will usually occur between the fourth and sixth day after his passing.

Furthermore, On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, church leaders will gather to discuss plans for Pope Francis’ funeral, which will be attended by leaders from around the world. Following this, a meeting will take place next month to choose a new Pope.