The Vatican has announced official arrangements for the final rites of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
On Wednesday, April 23 at 9:00 a.m., the coffin of the late Holy Father will be solemnly transferred from the Chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae to St. Peter’s Basilica. This moment marks the beginning of public mourning and final tributes to a pope beloved for his humility, compassion, and global outreach.
Procession Through Vatican Grounds
The rite will be presided over by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. The coffin will be carried in a dignified procession through Piazza Santa Marta and Piazza dei Protomartiri Romani, entering St. Peter’s Basilica via the central door after passing under the Arco delle Campane.
At the Altar of the Confessio, Cardinal Farrell will lead a Liturgy of the Word, after which faithful and dignitaries will be able to pay their final respects to the deceased Pontiff.
Funeral Mass on Saturday
The Funeral Mass for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. on the parvis of St. Peter’s Basilica. This solemn Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
The service will be attended by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops from around the world, all gathering to honor the memory of the first Jesuit Pope and the first from Latin America.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the final commendation and farewell rites Ultima commendatio and Valedictio will be conducted. Pope Francis’ coffin will then be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica and later transferred to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major for burial, in accordance with his final wishes.
