The Vatican has set Saturday April 26, 2025 for the funeral of the late Pope Francis who died on April 21, 2021.
The funeral is expected to take place at the St. Peter’s Square at 10 a.m.
Presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista, Dean of the College of Cardinals, the funeral liturgy will be followed by the final Commendation and Valediction, marking the end of an era for the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis’ coffin will then be moved to Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he will be laid to rest.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis’ coffin would be transferred from his papal residence to St. Peter’s Basilica at 9 a.m. local time on Wednesday April 23rd, where he will lie in state before his funeral on Saturday April 26, 2025.
Pope Francis, who sadly passed away on Easter Monday in April 2025, at the age of 88, left a lasting mark on the Catholic Church.
His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement released by the Vatican. He said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.”
“At 7.35 am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Pope Francis’s death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter’s Basilica despite still convalescing after a severe illness.
