The funeral Mass for Pope Francis will take place at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter's Square. The liturgy will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and will conclude with the transfer of the late pontiff’s coffin to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major for burial.
A large congregation, including 250 cardinals, bishops, priests, and religious brothers and sisters, is expected to attend the ceremony, with a vast crowd anticipated to gather for the funeral. Pope Francis, known for his message of inclusivity, will be honored by people from diverse backgrounds—reflecting the global reach of his teachings. The wooden and zinc coffin, sealed on Friday evening, will be placed in front of the altar in St. Peter's Square.
The funeral Mass, which marks the beginning of the Novemdiales (nine days of mourning), will feature scripture readings from the Acts of the Apostles, the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians, and the Gospel according to John. Following the homily, prayers of the faithful will be offered in multiple languages, including French, Arabic, Portuguese, Polish, German, and Chinese, before the Eucharistic liturgy and the Rite of Final Commendation. The Sistine Chapel Choir will provide the music for this solemn occasion.
After the funeral Mass, the coffin will be carried in a slow procession to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a site Pope Francis often visited for prayer. The procession will cover about four kilometers, giving the public an opportunity to pay their respects along the route.
Upon arrival at the Basilica, the coffin will be met by a group of marginalized individuals, symbolizing Pope Francis' deep compassion for the poor. Following a private burial ceremony, the Cardinal Camerlengo will mark the pontifical coffin with his seal, officially confirming the Pope’s burial.
The entire ceremony is expected to conclude around 5:30 PM IST.
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