World Prepares to Mourn: April 26 Declared Pope Francis’ Final Farewell

The Holy See Press Office has officially announced that the funeral Mass for Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square.

Presiding over the solemn liturgy will be Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, accompanied by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe in a united celebration of the late Pontiff’s life and service.

The funeral Mass will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and Valedictio rites, ushering in the Novemdiales—a nine-day period of mourning and memorial Masses dedicated to Pope Francis’ soul.

After the funeral, the Pope’s remains will be brought into St. Peter’s Basilica, and subsequently entombed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

In preparation for the final rites, the Pope’s coffin will be transferred from Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, giving the faithful an opportunity to pay their last respects.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will oversee the transfer, beginning with prayers at 9:00 AM. The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, exiting via the Arch of the Bells into St. Peter’s Square, before proceeding through the main entrance of the Basilica.

Once inside, at the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, after which public visitation of the late Holy Father will commence.