Pope Francis’ funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT) at St. Peter’s Basilica, according to a statement from the Vatican.
The late pontiff’s body, currently lying in repose at the chapel of the Santa Marta guesthouse—his former residence—will be moved to the basilica on Wednesday ahead of the ceremony.
The funeral is expected to draw an unprecedented gathering of world leaders, religious dignitaries, and mourners from around the world. Among those who have confirmed their attendance are U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Argentine President Javier Milei. Other notable attendees include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Janja Lula da Silva, Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, and East Timor President José Ramos-Horta.
In response to his passing, Italy has declared five days of national mourning. Flags have been lowered to half-mast in countries across the globe, including India, Australia, Taiwan, and the United States. Football matches in Italy and Pope Francis’ native Argentina have been suspended in his memory. Around the world, emotional crowds have gathered in churches and cathedrals for prayer vigils, with many visibly moved to tears.
Pope Francis led the Catholic Church for 12 years, gaining global admiration for his advocacy for the poor, his humility, and his efforts to modernize the Church’s image. He visited over 60 countries and was known for his preference for modesty over traditional Vatican grandeur.
In keeping with this simplicity, the late pontiff requested to be buried “in the earth, simple, without particular decoration,” with only his papal name—Franciscus—inscribed in Latin. Rather than St. Peter’s Basilica, where most popes are buried, Francis chose the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s four major basilicas. Located roughly 4 kilometers from the Vatican, the church was dear to him due to his deep devotion to Mary, mother of Jesus. He visited the basilica more than 150 times during his papacy.
Following the funeral, the Church will observe nine days of mourning before cardinals from around the world convene for the papal conclave, the centuries-old process to select a new pope.
