The Final Farewell: Pope Francis’ Funeral Details Announced
As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, preparations are underway for his final farewell. The late Pontiff’s body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, where it will lie in state until his funeral on Saturday morning.
The Holy See Press Office announced that Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the Mass, joined by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from around the world.
The funeral will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, marking the start of the Novemdiales, nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul. His body will then be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica and later to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment.
On Wednesday, the faithful will have the opportunity to pay their respects as the Pope’s body is moved from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of translation, starting at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer.
The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs before entering St. Peter’s Square through the Arch of the Bells. Inside the Vatican Basilica, at the Altar of the Confession, the Cardinal Camerlengo will lead the Liturgy of the Word, followed by visits to the body of the Roman Pontiff.
Let us join together in prayer and reflection as we bid farewell to a beloved leader and shepherd of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come.
