Particle.news
Download on the App Store
257 ARTICLES
·
5d ago

Vatican Prepares for Pope Francis’s Funeral as Public Viewing Begins

The late pontiff’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica from April 23–25, with his funeral scheduled for April 26 in St. Peter’s Square.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, left, prays in front of the body of Pope Francis laid out in state inside his private chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 21, 2025.
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - APRIL 21: (EDITOR NOTE: STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY - NO MERCHANDISING). (EDITORS NOTE: This image depicts death.) The body of Pope Francis (hands detail) lies in state at the chapel of Casa Santa Marta during the Rite of Certification of Death presided by Cardinal Kevin Farrell on April 21, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Vatican announced that Pope Francis, 88, died "this morning at 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father". His death comes after he appeared in St Peter's Square yesterday, wishing thousands of worshippers "Happy Easter." (Photo by Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
Image
Image

Overview

  • Pope Francis, 88, passed away on April 21, 2025, after suffering a stroke and heart failure at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta.
  • The Vatican released images of the late pope in his casket, dressed in red vestments and holding a rosary, as preparations for public viewing begin on April 23.
  • Cardinals have scheduled the funeral for April 26 at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, to be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, with world leaders expected to attend.
  • The pope’s body will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, honoring his personal request to depart from traditional burial practices in St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • The nine-day mourning period, known as the novendiale, will conclude with the College of Cardinals convening a conclave in early May to elect the next pope.