The Vatican has officially declared that Pope Francis, the 266th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church who passed away peacefully at age 88 on Easter Monday following a prolonged illness, will be honored with a state funeral this Saturday, April 26 at St. Peter’s Basilica. This announcement came during an extraordinary session of the College of Cardinals convened just hours after the beloved Pope’s death, as senior prelates gathered in the Apostolic Palace to begin the ancient rituals surrounding the death of a pope. The funeral arrangements, approved unanimously during Tuesday’s emotional congregation meeting presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, reflect both the urgency of tradition and the unprecedented global interest in commemorating the first Jesuit pope who revolutionized the modern papacy with his emphasis on mercy, ecological justice and pastoral simplicity. Vatican spokesmen confirmed the ceremony will follow the traditional Forma Ordinaria rite but incorporate several of Francis’ personal touches, including expected readings from his landmark encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, symbolizing his transformative 12-year papacy that reshaped the Church’s engagement with the modern world.
Funeral Details & Schedule
Date & Time: Today, Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. Vatican time (9 a.m. BST)
Location: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Expected Attendees: World leaders, religious dignitaries, and thousands of faithful
Final Journey of Pope Francis
- April 23: Body moved from Domus Sanctae Marthae (his residence) to St. Peter’s Basilica
- April 23–25: Public viewing – Pilgrims can pay respects as the Pope lies in state
- April 26: Funeral Mass led by senior cardinals, followed by burial in the Vatican Grottoes
A Moment of Global Mourning
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, presiding over the congregation, stated:
“The Church is united in grief but also in gratitude for his extraordinary service. Pope Francis redefined the papacy with humility, reform, and compassion.”
Why This Funeral Is Historic
🔹 First Jesuit Pope – Championed the poor, migrants, and interfaith dialogue
🔹 Global Legacy – Reshaped the Church’s stance on climate, social justice, and inclusivity
🔹 Unprecedented Attendance – Expected to be one of the largest papal funerals in history
Security & Logistics
- Heads of State Confirmations: Over 100+ world leaders expected
- Vatican Preparations: Massive screens erected across Rome for public viewing
- Live Broadcast: Global coverage on major networks and Vatican Media
