Pope Francis’s Funeral Set for Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica

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Christopher Sunday, VoxNews.com.ng

The Vatican has officially confirmed that the funeral Mass for Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (08:00 GMT) at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome.

According to Vatican News, the ceremony will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, as the Church and faithful across the world prepare to bid farewell to a pope widely recognized for his humility, reforms, and compassion.

Pope Francis died peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, following complications from a recent illness. His health had visibly declined in recent months, with several hospital visits and limited appearances during Holy Week.

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The late Pontiff will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday, April 23, until the eve of the funeral, offering the faithful the opportunity to pay their final respects.

In a historic move, Pope Francis requested to be buried at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, rather than within the Vatican. This makes him the first pope in over a century to be interred outside the Vatican grounds. His tomb, according to his final testament, will be a simple underground niche without ornamentation, bearing only the inscription “Franciscus.”

The funeral is expected to draw dignitaries from around the world, including heads of state, religious leaders, and thousands of mourners. Security preparations are already underway, with Rome expecting a high influx of visitors for the solemn event.

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With the Church now entering the traditional novemdiales — a nine-day period of mourning — the conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor is likely to begin between May 5 and May 11.

The funeral Mass will be broadcast live on international television and Vatican media platforms, allowing Catholics and admirers around the globe to participate virtually in honoring one of the most beloved Popes of the modern era.

For live coverage and updates, visit Vatican News – Funeral of Pope Francis.

 

 

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