VATICAN CITY — The body of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, has been transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state until Friday evening, allowing the faithful to pay their final respects ahead of his funeral on Saturday.
The late pontiff’s body was moved from the Casa Santa Marta, his residence within the Vatican, in a solemn procession led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. Upon arrival at the basilica, the casket was placed directly on the main altar, facing the pews, in accordance with Pope Francis’s wishes for a simpler ceremony.
Public viewing hours have been scheduled to accommodate the anticipated influx of mourners:
• Wednesday, April 23: 11:00 a.m. to midnight
• Thursday, April 24: 7:00 a.m. to midnight
• Friday, April 25: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The funeral Mass is set for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, to be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Dignitaries from around the world, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are expected to attend.
In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, rather than beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. This decision reflects his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and his desire for a more modest final resting place.
The Vatican has heightened security measures in anticipation of large crowds and the presence of international leaders. Pilgrims from around the globe have begun arriving to honor the legacy of the first Latin American pope, known for his humility, advocacy for the marginalized, and efforts to modernize the Catholic Church.
