Funeral Services for Pope Francis to Commence Saturday, with Public Viewing Initiating from Wednesday Onward
Farewell to Pope Francis
Get ready to say your final goodbyes to Pope Francis this coming Saturday, April 26th, at 10:00 AM (local time, 4:00 AM EST) in St. Peter's Square as we honor the first Latin American pontiff. Since his passing on Monday, his body has been lying in state at St. Peter's Basilica, much to the anticipation of the faithful who will flock to pay their respects.
The cardinals met last Tuesday in the Vatican's synod hall to discuss the steps leading up to the conclave for choosing his successor. The funeral will take place on the designated Saturday, with dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, officiating. Presidents Trump and Milei are planned to attend, and many other world leaders have expressed their sympathies.
Pope Francis, who died at 88 from a stroke and subsequent heart failure, had been recovering from five weeks of pneumonia in the hospital. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he blessed his followers from the Popemobile.
Remembering Pope Francis
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It's fitting that his final Easter appearance was on the same loggia where he first introduced himself to the world as the first Americas’ pope back in 2013. Throughout his passion-filled 12-year papacy, his goal was to modernize and revitalize the Catholic Church while focusing on caring for the poor.
Vatican Officials Remember Francis
Sister Nathalie Becquart, one of the highest-ranking women in the Vatican, offered heartfelt words: "He genuinely gave everything he had, up to the very end." Vatican officials were able to pay their respects to the fallen leader starting Monday evening. Speaking to reporters after her visit, Becquart admired Francis' final Easter salute to his flock, expressing her admiration: "He really walked with the people."
Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi recognized Francis' promotion of women in the Church as his most significant achievement. He pointed out that the Pope chose to be buried under the shadow of a woman, in the form of his beloved Marian icon—signifying his desire for women in the Church to rise.
Francis’ Final Images
On Tuesday, the first official images of Francis in red vestments and his bishop's miter in a simple, wooden coffin were released. The photos showed Vatican Secretary of State praying over him in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, where he lived and died.
In his final will, Francis wished to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica—home to the cherished Marian icon that he always paid his respects to before and after every foreign trip.
The World Reacts
Bells tolled throughout chapels, churches, cathedrals worldwide, and flags were flown at half-mast in Italy, India, Taiwan, and the United States in honor of Pope Francis. Football matches in Italy and Argentina were suspended in memoriam of the soccer fan.
World leaders commended Francis for his moral leadership and compassion, while ordinary believers remembered his empathy and human touch. Others remarked on his rebellious nature, a quality he may have cultivated throughout his life.
The End of Francis’ Reign and the Start of a New Chapter
Once the funeral is over, an official mourning period, or the "Novemdiali," will begin. During this time, cardinals will assemble in Rome, meet privately, and discuss the path forward within the Church. The conclave to elect a new pope will commence 15–20 days after the "sede vacante" is declared, as long as all cardinals can collectively agree on a sooner date.
Once elected, the new pope will be announced from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, proclaiming, "Habemus Papam," Latin for "We have a pope."
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