Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday after a period of illness, will be laid to rest in a funeral ceremony on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. local time at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, the Holy See announced on Tuesday.
Funeral Arrangements and Mourning Period
The pope’s body is currently lying in state at the chapel of the Santa Marta guesthouse, his residence within the Vatican. Thousands of mourners are expected to visit over the coming days to pay their respects. The official mourning period, known as the Novemdiales, will begin immediately following the funeral and last nine days, during which Masses will be held for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.
The College of Cardinals, responsible for papal affairs, will oversee the funeral rites and subsequently begin the process of selecting the next pope after the mourning period concludes.
Attendance and Global Reactions
World leaders have confirmed their attendance at the funeral, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who praised Pope Francis as “an advocate for the weak, a reconciler and a warm-hearted person.” Other leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have also expressed their condolences, highlighting the pope’s dedication to the vulnerable and his role as a unifying figure.
Pope Francis’ Burial Wishes
In keeping with his humility, Pope Francis requested a simple burial at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, one of Christianity’s four major basilicas and a site dear to him due to his devotion to Mary. He asked to be buried “in the earth, simple, without particular decoration,” with only his papal name inscribed in Latin: Franciscus. This choice departs from the tradition of burying popes in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Following the nine days of mourning, the College of Cardinals will convene to begin the conclave to elect the new pope, who will succeed Francis as the spiritual leader of more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Speculation about potential successors is already underway, with candidates from various continents under consideration.
