The Vatican has announced that the funeral of Pope Francis will be held this Saturday, following his passing on Monday at the age of 88.
The funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. local time (08:00 GMT) at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome—a location chosen by the late pontiff himself, in a break from traditional burial practices.
The announcement came Tuesday, shortly after cardinals gathered in Rome to begin preparations for the funeral and the upcoming papal succession. All cardinals currently present in the city were called to the meeting to finalize arrangements.
Public viewing of the Pope Francis’s body will begin on Wednesday at 07:00 GMT at St. Peter’s Basilica. Until then, his body rests in an open coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he lived throughout his 12-year papacy.
A brief procession will carry the coffin from Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica, entering through the central door. Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over a prayer and a liturgy at the basilica’s main altar, after which members of the public will be allowed to pay their respects.
Pope Francis passed away after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest. He had previously been hospitalized with double pneumonia earlier this year but had returned to his Vatican residence weeks prior and even addressed the faithful on Easter Sunday.
His death has triggered traditional Vatican protocols, including the ceremonial destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring and the papal seal—symbols marking the end of a pontificate.
Among the many expected to attend the funeral are world leaders and dignitaries, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei, honoring the late Pope’s legacy of advocacy for the marginalized and his reformist stance within the Church.
The Vatican also released official photos and a video showing Pope Francis in repose, dressed in a red robe and papal mitre, holding a rosary in his hands.
Following the funeral, preparations will begin in earnest for the conclave, which is expected to start after May 6. During this time, 135 cardinal electors nearly 80 percent of whom were appointed by Francis will gather in secret to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church.
While no clear successor has emerged, the cardinals will meet in General Congregations over the coming days to reflect on the Church’s future path.
