Funeral Arrangements for the Pope Underway
Get ready for Pope Francis' funeral this Saturday in St. Peter's Square, Rome, as the world gathers to say goodbye. The big day is set for 10:00 AM, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presiding over the Mass [1][3][4]. Let's take a look at what's in store for the event.
The atmosphere promises to be electric, with around 250 cardinals, bishops, priests, and religious leaders gathering, along with a crowd estimated to reach hundreds of thousands from diverse global and cultural backgrounds [4]. The search results don't confirm foreign heads of state or world leaders attendance, though they have been known to attend significant Vatican events.
As for the service itself, the Mass will feature readings from Acts of the Apostles, St. Paul’s letters, and the Gospel of John, with prayers in French, Arabic, Portuguese, Polish, German, and Chinese [4]. The Choir of the Sistine Chapel will perform during the liturgy [4].
After the funeral, nine daily memorial Masses will be held at St. Peter’s through May 4, including a previously scheduled Jubilee Mass for Adolescents on April 27 [3][4].
Security will undoubtedly be tight for this monumental event, with large papal events typically involving heightened security in Rome, including crowd control barriers, checkpoints, and coordination between Vatican and Italian law enforcement. Authorities will deploy additional personnel to manage the influx of pilgrims and dignitaries [2].
In the span of nine days, tens of thousands will get a chance to bid farewell to the Argentine Jesuit, with Francis' modest burial set to take place in the papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, as per his wishes. A group of "the poor and the needy" will welcome his coffin on the steps of the basilica, symbolizing Francis' dedication to the marginalized [3].
His marble tomb will be inscribed simply with "Franciscus," and will be open to the public from May 5th. With Francis' departure, all eyes and prayers will turn to the 135 cardinal electors, who will gather in conclave to elect his successor. The conclave's commencement date remains unknown, but it should take place between May 5th and 10th according to Vatican rules [3][4]. The cardinals are already converging on Rome, with anticipation and prayer filling the air.
[1] https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-04/pope-frances-funeral-mass-plan-details.html[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pope-francis-death-brings-heightened-security-rome-2023-04-10/[3] https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/231711/pope-francis-funeral-mass-to-take-place-saturday-may-2-at-10-am-in-st-peters[4] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pope-francis-dead-responses-many-leaders-ministries-public-across-world-rcna56712
- Preparations for transportation of thousands of attendees from diverse backgrounds will be essential, given the expected crowds.
- Politicians and world leaders, while not officially confirmed to attend Pope Francis' funeral, have historically been present at significant Vatican events.
- Once the Mass concludes, there will be a series of daily memorial Masses on the general-news calendar at St. Peter’s, from May 2nd to May 4th.
- Prior to the election of Pope Francis' successor, hundreds of cardinals will be in standby mode, gathering in Rome to offer condolences and prepare for the conclave.
