Pope Francis' Funeral Set for Saturday Morning at 10:00 AM, According to Vatican Announcement
Gearin' Up for Pope Francis's Send-Off
Mark your calendars, folks! Pope Francis's funeral is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM as announced by the Vatican. The cardinals, who'll elect his successor in a matter of weeks, are summonsed for a general congregation at 9:00 AM the same day.
Before the big event, Pope Francis's coffin—left us mourning on Monday at the ripe age of 88—will be open for public goodbyes starting Wednesday morning, 9:00 AM, at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. His remains, currently resting in peace at the Vatican's Santa Marta residence, will make the grand move to St. Peter's Basilica without a fancy catafalque, as per the Argentine pope's simple and sober wishes.
Many bigwigs are expected at the funeral, much like John Paul II's in 2005. Emmanuel Macron announced his attendance during a visit to Réunion, saying, "We'll be at the pope's funeral, of course". Donald Trump and Melania Trump have also confirmed their presence.
Following the public viewing, Pope Francis's remains will be transferred to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for further exposure to the faithful. He's chosen this basilica, often referred to as the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, as his final resting place—a simple underground tomb with only the inscription "Franciscus"—no frills or fuss!
Francis's twelve-year pontificate, despite being overshadowed by a severe pneumonia towards the end, was marked by immense popularity, yet fierce opposition within the Church. During his reign, he touched the lives of millions around the world.
World leaders from Iran to Germany, passing through the United States, the EU, the UN, Lebanon, Israel, or the Palestinian Authority have all paid heartfelt tributes to Francis. Vladimir Putin hailed him as a "defender of humanism and justice", while Volodymyr Zelensky thanked him for "praying for peace in Ukraine and for the Ukrainians".
As per his last will and testament, Pope Francis intended to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, specifically, the "burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel" of the basilica[1][2][3]. The cost of the burial will be covered by a benefactor[2].
Typically, a pope's funeral happens soon after their demise and is followed by burial according to their wishes. However, the specific date of the burial beyond, "aligning with his wishes," hasn't been released yet. Rest in peace, Pope Francis, and may your eternal bond with your faithful continue to grow stronger.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has been announced as Pope Francis's final resting place, where his simple underground tomb will bear only the inscription of his name, "Francis."
Pope Francis, despite facing severe opposition within the Church during his pontificate, touched the lives of millions around the world and was hailed by world leaders as a defender of humanism and justice.
In accordance with his last will and testament, the Pope intends to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, specifically in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel.
The exact date of Pope Francis's burial, following his funeral and alignment with his wishes, has yet to be announced.
