The Vatican has announced that the funeral for Pope Francis will take place this Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke, just weeks after being discharged from a hospital where he was treated for double pneumonia. He died in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, where he had lived throughout his 12-year papacy.
His body was moved to the chapel at Casa Santa Marta on Monday evening, where a small farewell service was held. On Wednesday morning, his body will be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing and prayers.
The Vatican released the first photos of the late pope lying in his open coffin, dressed in red papal robes with a rosary in his hands.
Leaders from around the world, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, have confirmed they will attend the funeral. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected to be present. Argentina has declared a week of national mourning, and India is observing three days of state mourning in his honour.
Francis had requested a simple burial. According to his will, he will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome — the first pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican. His tomb will be plain, marked only with his Latin name, Franciscus.
The process of choosing the next pope has already begun. Cardinals met on Tuesday for the first “general congregation,” which sets the timeline for the conclave. The conclave, where cardinals under 80 vote for the new pope, will begin between 15 and 20 days after his death.
Born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit and the first pope from the Americas. Known for his modest lifestyle, he chose not to live in the lavish papal apartments and often wore simple robes.
Throughout his time as pope, Francis pushed for social reforms, spoke out on issues like immigration and climate change, and tried to clean up Vatican finances. He also worked to make the Church more open and inclusive, though he held firm to traditional teachings on abortion and celibacy.
He was praised for his efforts to address child abuse in the Church by removing the secrecy around such cases and requiring religious leaders to report abuse. However, critics said more could have been done.
Despite health issues, Pope Francis remained active. Just days before his death, he took part in Easter celebrations, although he appeared visibly tired.
Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Monday night to pray and pay their last respects. Mateo Rey, a student from Mexico, told AFP: “He showed us that it doesn’t matter your race or who you love — in God’s eyes, we are all the same.”
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of compassion, reform, and courage — a pope who aimed to bring the Church closer to the people.
