Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26. The funeral Mass is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, and will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals.
The Pope’s body, currently resting in an open casket at Casa Santa Marta, will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, for public viewing. The viewing will continue until the morning of the funeral.
In keeping with his personal wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. This makes him the first pope in over a hundred years to be laid to rest outside the Vatican. He had requested a simple burial using a plain wooden coffin lined with zinc, forgoing the traditional triple coffin used for previous popes.
The funeral is expected to draw large crowds, including leaders and dignitaries from across the globe. Prince William will represent King Charles at the service, continuing the royal tradition of honoring pontiffs at their funeral rites.
Francis’ death came after a long illness and a recent hospital stay due to double pneumonia. The Church has since begun the nine-day mourning period known as Novendiale, during which cardinals reflect and prepare for the next steps in Church leadership.
Looking back, Pope Francis was elected in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. As the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to become pope, he brought a new tone of humility, inclusiveness, and compassion to the papacy. His death marks the end of a deeply impactful era.
Preparations are also in motion for the conclave that will select the next pope. The gathering of cardinal electors is expected to take place in early May. As the Church prepares to choose its next leader, millions around the world pause to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
