The funeral for Pope Francis has been scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced Tuesday. The body of the revered pontiff, who died at the age of 88, will lie in state for public viewing starting Wednesday, April 23, inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, died just days after making a final public appearance during an Easter blessing on April 20. His death marks the end of a transformative papacy defined by humility, compassion for the poor, and progressive stances on issues like climate change and capitalism.
As preparations for his funeral intensify, cardinals from across the world have gathered at the Vatican to organize the transition of leadership and initiate the process of electing a new pope. Around 60 cardinals attended the initial meeting on Tuesday to discuss funeral plans and key decisions for managing the church during the “interregnum”—the period between papacies.
“Pope Francis touched countless lives across the globe,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo overseeing the Vatican’s administrative functions until a new pope is elected. “We now guide the Church through this solemn moment with prayer, dignity, and unity.”
Crowds Gather in Global Tribute
In Jakarta, Indonesia, hundreds braved the rain on Tuesday to offer condolences at the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s diplomatic mission. The atmosphere was reverent, as Catholics recited prayers and wrote heartfelt messages to honor the late pope.
“He visited us in 2024 and left a mark with his humility,” said Heri Wibowo, a Catholic priest. “We may be far from Rome, but we feel close in spirit.”
Claudia, a 23-year-old worshipper attending with her family, said, “He still gave us Easter blessings just days ago. I felt a deep sadness when I heard the news of his passing.”
In the Philippines, a country with over 80 million Catholics, mourners gathered at Manila Cathedral for a special mass. Many wept openly, recalling Pope Francis’s compassion during his 2015 visit to comfort survivors of Typhoon Haiyan.
“He was a rare pope who championed the poor,” said Cynthia Esquilona, a mother of two who lit a candle before his portrait. Another worshipper, Conchita Mil, battling breast cancer, prayed in tears: “He made us feel seen and cared for.”
Funeral and Burial Arrangements
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. The funeral Mass will be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, and his body will be moved in a solemn procession from the Vatican’s Domus Santa Marta hotel to St. Peter’s Basilica for viewing.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, master of papal liturgical ceremonies, released the official rubrics for the procession. Swiss Guards will flank the pope’s casket, and prayers will be led by Cardinal Farrell during the formal rites.
Photos released Tuesday showed Pope Francis resting in a wooden casket, dressed in red liturgical vestments and a bishop’s miter, his hands clasped around a rosary. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, prayed over his body during the initial death confirmation ritual.
Next Steps: Electing a New Pope
While a date for the conclave has not yet been set, Vatican officials indicate the earliest possible start date is May 5. In the interim, three cardinals—Cardinal Parolin, Polish Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko, and Cardinal Fabbio Baggio—will assist Cardinal Farrell in administering Vatican affairs. These cardinals will be replaced after three days to ensure a smooth transition.
“The Church must now look ahead with prayerful discernment,” said Cardinal Ryłko. “The next leader must carry forward Francis’ mission of mercy and reform.”
Global Reactions: Mourning and Reflection
The death of Pope Francis has sparked an outpouring of condolences from global leaders and religious communities. In China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its sympathy, acknowledging Francis’s efforts to repair strained relations between Beijing and the Vatican.
“China is ready to work with the Vatican side to continue the improvement of China-Vatican ties,” said ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
Francis made history in 2018 by agreeing to a controversial pact with China that allowed the Vatican to recognize bishops appointed by Beijing. Despite criticism, the deal marked a major step toward reconciliation between the state-backed Chinese Catholic Church and the underground church loyal to Rome.
In India, the national government declared three days of mourning. Flags were flown at half-staff across all official buildings on Tuesday, with the gesture set to continue until the day of Francis’ funeral.
In Australia, political leaders paused their election campaigns to honor the pope. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended a memorial Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne.
“My Catholic faith is personal, but on days like this, it becomes a shared experience of grief and reverence,” Albanese told reporters.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton also paid tribute, saying, “This is not a day for politics, but for reflection.”
Taiwan Honors the Pope’s Legacy
In Taipei, members of the Catholic community gathered for a memorial Mass to remember Pope Francis’s spiritual leadership. Former Premier Chen Chien-jen, a devout Catholic and frequent visitor to the Vatican, praised the pope’s role in promoting peace and environmental awareness.
“We will carry forward his message: that we are all brothers, united in love,” Chen said.
Bernard Li, former president of Fu Jen Catholic University, added, “He was a compassionate voice in a divided world, advocating for racial equality and justice.”
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te ordered national flags to be flown at half-staff in tribute.
Conclusion
As the world prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis, millions of Catholics and admirers of his progressive vision mourn a spiritual leader who reshaped the papacy with humility, courage, and an unwavering focus on the marginalized. His legacy now passes into history, even as the Church looks ahead to the next chapter.
