Pope Francis' funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter's Square. The funeral will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and is expected to draw a large crowd, including numerous world leaders and dignitaries. Following the Mass, the Pope's remains will be transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial. The coffin was sealed in a private ceremony, with a document summarizing his life read during the rite. The funeral will be broadcast live, and will be followed by nine days of mourning.
10 days ago
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26th, at 10:00 AM Rome time in St. Peter's Square 1 14. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the service 1 14. Patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests from around the world will concelebrate the Mass 1. The Mass, referred to as "Missa poenitentialis," marks the first day of the "Novendiales," nine consecutive days of mourning for the late Pope 10. Specific readings from the Acts of the Apostles, the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians, and the Gospel of John will be included in the Mass 1 14. The Sistine Chapel choir will perform during the service 14.
On Friday evening, April 25th, the coffin of Pope Francis was solemnly sealed in a private ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica 1 8 10. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, presided over the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin 1 10. The ceremony included the reading of a document summarizing Pope Francis's life and ministry 8 10. A white silk cloth was laid over the Pope's face, and his body was sprinkled with holy water 8 10. A bag containing coins and medals minted during his pontificate, along with a metal tube containing a copy of the rogito, were placed inside the coffin 8 10. The coffin was sealed with the seals of the Cardinal Camerlengo, the Prefecture of the Papal Household, the Office for Liturgical Celebrations, and the Chapter of St. Peter 8 10. Pope Francis instituted reforms in 2024, opting for a single wooden coffin with a zinc lining, departing from the previous tradition of three nested coffins 10.
Following the funeral Mass, Pope Francis's coffin will be transported to the Basilica of St. Mary Major 1 9 14. The procession will cover approximately four kilometers through the streets of Rome 3 9 14. The route holds historical significance as the ancient Papal Way 9. The hearse carrying the coffin will travel at walking pace, allowing Romans to bid farewell 9. This procession has not been seen for 100 years 9.
Upon arrival at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the coffin will be welcomed by a group of approximately 40 poor and marginalized people 9 15. This group includes the poor, homeless, prisoners, migrants, and transgender individuals 9 15. This gesture aligns with Pope Francis's dedication to the poor and his vision of a "poor church" 9 15. The burial will take place privately inside the Basilica 1 14.
Over 1,800 Italian Civil Protection volunteers are assisting with the coordination and flow of pilgrims 2 3. More than 130 international delegations have confirmed their attendance 3. Security measures include the deployment of approximately 4,000 police officers, as well as snipers and explosives experts 3. A no-fly zone is also in effect 3. Close to 250,000 people viewed Pope Francis lying in state 2 3 8.
The funeral Mass will be broadcast worldwide 13 14. Delegations from at least 112 nations, 10 reigning monarchs, and approximately 50 heads of state are expected to attend 1 3 4 9 14. Among the dignitaries are the presidents of Argentina, Italy, and the United States (both current and former) 1 4 9. The Secretary-General of the United Nations and the President of the European Commission will also be present 9.
As an AI assistant, I cannot predict the future, including the specifics of Pope Francis' funeral. However, I can describe the Catholic funeral rites and what to expect during a funeral Mass for a Pope, based on Church teachings and tradition.
Here's what to expect:
The death of the Pope will trigger specific protocols within the Vatican, including the announcement of the death, the calling of the College of Cardinals, and the preparations for the funeral. The funeral itself will likely be a grand event, given the Pope's position, and will be attended by religious and political leaders from around the world.