Plans have been finalised for the funeral Mass of Pope Francis, with the ceremony scheduled to hold on Saturday, 26th April 2025, at 10:00 in the morning at St. Peter’s Square.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, serving as the Dean of the College of Cardinals, will lead the Mass. The celebration will involve many senior clergy, including Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests coming from various countries.
This Eucharistic service will come to an end with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio. These rites will mark the commencement of the Novemdiales, a traditional period of nine days of mourning and Masses offered for the soul of Pope Francis.
After the Mass, the Pope’s remains will be carried first into St. Peter’s Basilica before being taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he will be laid to rest.
Earlier activities will take place on Wednesday, when the Pope’s coffin will be moved from the chapel of Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica. This move is intended to allow the faithful to offer their last respects.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will lead the rite of translation on 23rd April. This will begin at 9:00 AM, starting with a moment of prayer.
The procession is planned to move through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, following the designated route released by the Vatican.
It will continue through the Arch of the Bells and into St. Peter’s Square, with entry into the Vatican Basilica through its main central door.
Once the coffin reaches the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will lead the Liturgy of the Word. After this, the public will be allowed to begin their visits to honour the Pope’s body.
St. Peter’s Basilica will remain accessible to all those who wish to pay tribute. On Wednesday, the Basilica will be open from 11:00 AM until midnight. On Thursday, it will be open from 7:00 AM until midnight, while on Friday, it will welcome visitors from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
