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6d ago

Pope Francis’ Funeral Set for Saturday as Vatican Prepares for Public Mourning

The late pontiff’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica starting Wednesday, with his burial to follow his simplified funeral rites.

Vatican Secretary of State cardinal Pietro Parolin prays during the Rite of Certification of Death of Pope Francis in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City, Vatican, on Tuesday. Photo: Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images
Pope Francis officially inaugurates the 2025 Jubilee Year with the solemn opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024 in Vatican City, Vatican.
A photo of the late Pope Francis is displayed during mass at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne on April 22, 2025.

Overview

  • Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at age 88 from a stroke and cardiac arrest, the Vatican confirmed.
  • His body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning for public viewing until his funeral on Saturday, April 26, at 10 am local time.
  • In accordance with his 2024 reforms, Francis will be buried in a single wooden coffin at the Mary Major, breaking with papal burial traditions.
  • Cardinals met on Tuesday to finalize funeral arrangements and discuss the timeline for the conclave, expected to begin no earlier than May 6.
  • World leaders and pilgrims are expected to attend the funeral and pay respects during the lying in state, as global tributes pour in for the first Latin American pope.