Pope Francis’s funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in the majestic Baroque plaza in front of St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. The 88-year-old Argentine pontiff passed away on Monday, April 21, after suffering a stroke, less than a month after being discharged from a five-week hospital stay for double pneumonia.
When Is the Funeral of Pope Francis?
The funeral will take place at 10:00 am local time (1:30 pm IST) on April 26. The date was decided by cardinals during a general congregation, the first step in a series of meetings that will eventually lead to the election of the next pope.
Where Will the Funeral Be Held?
The ceremony will be conducted in St Peter’s Square in front of St Peter’s Basilica—a traditional and symbolic location for such historic papal events.
How Will the Funeral Be Conducted?
Pope Francis’s funeral will be unique in several ways. While traditional Latin chants and a grand procession will take place, his casket will not be elevated like those of past popes. Instead, it will be placed simply facing the pews with the Paschal candle nearby.
Where Will Pope Francis Be Buried?
In a break from tradition, Pope Francis requested in his will to be buried in St Mary Major, a basilica in Rome he was deeply attached to, rather than in St Peter’s Basilica. His tomb will be marked only with the Latin inscription “Franciscus”, as he wished for a simple, undecorated grave.
Where Is Pope Francis’ Body Now?
His body currently lies in state at the Santa Marta Domus, in a private chapel for Vatican residents and the papal household. On April 23, it will be moved in a grand procession to St Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state for three days for the public to pay their respects.
Who Will Attend the Funeral?
Many world leaders and dignitaries will attend the funeral, including:
- U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania
- President Javier Milei of Argentina
- Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and wife Janja
- U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres
- U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
- Ireland’s President Michael Higgins
- Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia
- Poland’s President Andrzej Duda
- Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever
- Hungary’s President Tamas Sulyok
From India, Tamil Nadu Minister S.M. Nasar and DMK MLA Inigo S. Irudayaraj will attend on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government.
Who Will Not Attend?
Notable absences include:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin, due to an ICC arrest warrant
- King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, citing birthday celebrations
When Will Pope Francis’ Successor Be Chosen?
While the date for the conclave has not yet been announced, rules state it cannot begin before May 6. Possible early favorites include:
- Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
- Pietro Parolin (Italy)
In the interim period known as “sede vacante” (vacant seat), Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, along with three appointed cardinals, will manage the Vatican’s daily affairs.
