The body of Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where the faithful will have the opportunity to pay their final respects ahead of his funeral Mass on Saturday.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the funeral will be held at 10:00 AM on April 26 in St. Peter’s Square and will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. The ceremony will be concelebrated by Church leaders from around the world, including Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests.
The funeral rites will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, solemn moments that mark the beginning of the Novemdiales—nine days of mourning and Masses offered for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.
Prior to the funeral, the Pope’s body will be moved from the chapel of Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning. The rite of translation will be presided over by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, and will begin at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer.
The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, exit through the Arch of the Bells, and enter St. Peter’s Basilica through the central door. At the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will lead the Liturgy of the Word, after which public viewing of the Pope's body will begin.
The Vatican has announced extended hours for those wishing to pay tribute:
Wednesday: 11:00 AM to midnight
Thursday: 7:00 AM to midnight
Friday: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Following the funeral, Pope Francis will be taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment, fulfilling a final pilgrimage through the sacred spaces of the Eternal City.
This historic farewell marks the end of a papacy defined by humility, inclusivity, and global outreach, as millions around the world join in mourning and prayer.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)