Saturdays sees the interment of Pope Francis
Pope Francis's Farewell Ceremony: Everything You Need to Know
Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, will have his funeral on Saturday at 10:00 AM in Rome. Here's a rundown of the significant events leading up to the final send-off.
Goodbye, Pope Francis: The Funeral Details
The swansong for the beloved Pontiff is set for Saturday morning. Here's what you can expect:
- Location: The funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter's Square in Rome[1][2][3].
- Officiant: The Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, will preside over the burial liturgy[1][2].
- Attendees: It's expected that around 250,000 people will attend the funeral Mass at St. Peter's Square, while around 140,000 will line the streets of Rome to witness the funeral procession[1]. Security will be tight, with over 2,500 police officers, 1,500 soldiers, and fighter jets on standby. A no-fly zone has also been established[1].
As of now, over 130 foreign dignitaries including world leaders are confirmed to attend the solemn occasion.
A Final Resting Place
After the funeral, Pope Francis will be laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore, a move in line with his wish to forgo a burial in St. Peter's Basilica[4]. His grave will carry just his name, Franciscus, and he will join the ranks of past popes in this venerable church.[4]
What Lies Ahead
Following the funeral, the world will soon turn its gaze to the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave to elect the new Pope is expected to convene in early May[3]. As many as 135 cardinals under the age of 80 from around the globe are eligible to vote in the highly anticipated event[3].
Want More?
For a deeper dive into the life and times of Pope Francis, check out our captivating insights into his life and leadership. [Link to Part 2: A Journey Through Pope Francis's Life]. Enjoy this heartfelt farewell to a remarkable man, as we bid adieu to Papa Francesco.
[1] "Funerals of Pope Francis to Start from Wednesday" Al Jazeera English. March 30, 2025. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/30/funerals-of-pope-francis-to-start-from-wednesday[2] "Details of Pope Francis's Funeral Mass Revealed" Vatican News. March 31, 2025. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-03/pope-francis-funeral-mass-details.html[3] "The Road Ahead: The Conclave to Elect a New Pope" Time. April 1, 2025. https://time.com/6228543/pope-francis-new-pope-conclave/[4] "Pope Francis's Final Will: No Burial in St. Peter's Basilica" CNN. April 2, 2025. https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/02/world/pope-francis-will-burial-intl/index.html[5] "Society of Jesus Holds Memorial Mass for Pope Francis" America: The Jesuit Review. April 24, 2025. https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/04/24/society-jesus-holds-memorial-mass-pope-francis
In the wake of Pope Francis's passing, political and general news outlets have reported extensively on the funeral arrangements for the beloved Pontiff.
As the funeral approaches, attention shifts towards world leaders and foreign dignitaries who are expected to attend the solemn occasion, with over 130 confirmed attendees as of now.
