On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the world will bid a final farewell to Pope Francis, whose passing has marked the end of a transformative papacy. The funeral, set to take place in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, will be a significant global event, drawing millions of mourners, world leaders, and faithful Catholics to honour the late pontiff. With a meticulously planned programme of events, the ceremony will blend ancient papal traditions with the simplicity that defined Francis’ tenure. Here’s a detailed look at the timing, programme, notable attendees, and what to expect during this historic occasion.
Timing and Venue
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM local time (08:00 GMT, 09:00 BST) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office via Vatican News on April 22, 2025. The choice of St. Peter’s Square, weather permitting, aligns with longstanding tradition for papal funerals, allowing a large gathering of the faithful to participate. The ceremony is expected to last approximately 2½ hours, reflecting the solemnity and ritualistic nature of the event.
Today, April 25, marks the final day for mourners to pay their respects, with St. Peter’s Basilica remaining open until 18:00 local time (17:00 BST) for those wishing to view Pope Francis’ body lying in state, according to a BBC News report. Thousands have already queued for this last opportunity, a testament to the global outpouring of grief for the pontiff known for his humility and advocacy for the marginalised.
Programme of Events
The funeral will follow a structured programme, blending conventional Catholic funeral rites with unique papal rituals, as outlined by NBC News on April 24, 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments:
- 10:00 AM: Funeral Mass Begins
The Mass, primarily conducted in Latin, will be presided over by a senior cardinal, likely the Dean of the College of Cardinals, as is customary. The service will include readings, prayers, and hymns reflecting Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion and social justice. The Swiss Guards, who have protected the pope since 1506, will kneel during the consecration of the host, a poignant moment symbolising the Catholic belief in the transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. - Homily and Tributes
A homily will be delivered, focusing on Francis’ contributions to the Church, including his emphasis on environmental stewardship (notably through his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’) and his outreach to the poor and marginalised. Tributes may also highlight his efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy and his calls for interfaith dialogue. - Ultima Commendatio and Valedictio
Toward the end of the Mass, the Ultima Commendatio (Final Commendation) and Valedictio (Farewell) will take place, marking the formal conclusion of the funeral rites. These ancient rituals signify the Church’s entrustment of the pope’s soul to God and the beginning of the Novemdiales, a nine-day period of mourning and Masses for the repose of Francis’ soul. - Procession and Burial
Following the Mass, Pope Francis’ body will be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica for a brief private ceremony. In a historic break from tradition, Francis will not be buried in the crypt at St. Peter’s, where most popes have been laid to rest for over a century. Instead, his body will be transported to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, a site he held dear, for burial. This decision reflects Francis’ desire for simplicity and his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, often expressed during his papacy.
Notable Guests and Attendees
A pope’s funeral traditionally brings together world leaders, dignitaries, and religious figures, and Pope Francis’ ceremony will be no exception. According to a Sky News report from April 24, 2025, several high-profile figures have confirmed their attendance:
- U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump: Trump announced on Truth Social earlier this week that he and Melania would attend the funeral in Rome, recalling his 2017 meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican. The U.S. delegation underscores the global significance of the event, despite past tensions between Trump and Francis on issues like immigration and climate change.
- French President Emmanuel Macron: Macron, who met with Pope Francis as recently as December 2024, confirmed his attendance to local French reporters. His presence highlights the strong ties between France and the Vatican, often referred to as the “eldest daughter of the Church.”
- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Janja Lula da Silva: Brazil, home to the world’s largest Catholic population, will be represented by President Lula, who met Francis at the G7 summit in 2024. The Brazilian government announced their attendance, reflecting Francis’ deep connection with Latin America.
Other expected attendees include monarchs, such as King Felipe VI of Spain, and representatives from various religious communities, given Francis’ commitment to interfaith dialogue. The College of Cardinals, who will soon convene to elect a new pope, will also play a prominent role in the ceremony.
What to Expect: A Simpler Affair
While the funeral will be a grand event watched by millions worldwide, it will reflect Pope Francis’ preference for simplicity, as noted by BBC News. Unlike the lavish ceremonies of some predecessors, such as Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005, Francis requested a more modest farewell. This aligns with his papacy’s focus on humility—he famously chose to live in a Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace and often shunned ornate vestments.
The ceremony will still carry the weight of tradition, with elements dating back over 2,000 years, as highlighted by NBC News. These include the use of Latin, the presence of the Swiss Guards, and the formal rites of the Ultima Commendatio. However, the decision to be buried at St. Mary Major rather than St. Peter’s crypt underscores Francis’ desire to break from certain conventions, mirroring his broader efforts to reform and modernise the Church.
Global Impact and the Road Ahead
Pope Francis’ funeral marks the beginning of the interregnum, the period between his death and the election of a new pope, as explained by NBC News. During this time, the College of Cardinals will prepare for a conclave to choose Francis’ successor, a process steeped in centuries-old rituals. The Novemdiales mourning period will also see Masses held across the world for the repose of Francis’ soul, reflecting his universal impact.
For the faithful, this funeral is not just a goodbye but a moment to reflect on Francis’ legacy—a papacy defined by calls for mercy, environmental action, and solidarity with the marginalised. As St. Peter’s Square fills with mourners tomorrow, the world will pause to honour a pope who sought to bridge divides and bring the Church closer to the people.
How to Follow the Funeral
The funeral will be broadcast live on major global networks, including BBC, Sky News, and Vatican News, starting at 09:00 BST. For those unable to attend in person, these outlets will provide comprehensive coverage, capturing both the solemnity of the event and the global outpouring of grief for Pope Francis.
