Pope Francis’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time (08:00 GMT) in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. The ceremony will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, and is expected to draw significant international attention.
📅 Public Viewing Schedule
Pope Francis’s body will lie in state for public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica during the following hours:
- Wednesday, April 23: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday, April 24: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday, April 25: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
The public viewing will commence after a prayer service led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the acting camerlengo, at 9:00 AM on Wednesday. His body will be transferred from the Casa Santa Marta residence to the basilica in a procession starting at 9:00 AM local time.
Burial Details
After the funeral Mass, Pope Francis will be buried at Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, marking a departure from the tradition of papal burials at St. Peter’s Basilica. He had expressed a desire to be interred there due to his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Dignitary Attendance
Notable figures expected to attend include U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced he will not attend.
Funeral Rites
The funeral Mass will follow the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis and conclude with the Ultima Commendatio and Valedictio, initiating a nine-day period of mourning known as the Novendiali.