The mortal remains of the Head of the Holy Catholic Church, Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 following a cerebral stroke and subsequent heart failure, are currently lying in state.
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Vatican released official images of the late pontiff lying in an open casket, dressed in his papal vestments and flanked by Swiss Guards in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, where he resided throughout his 12-year papacy.
According to the Holy See Press Office, Pope Francis’ funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square. The funeral Mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from around the world.
The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, which formally entrust the Pope’s soul to God and signal the beginning of the Novemdiales—nine days of mourning and Masses for his repose.
Final Journey Begins Wednesday
On Wednesday at 9:00 AM (0700 GMT), the Pope’s body will be carried from the chapel of Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the public will be allowed to pay their final respects until the time of burial.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of translation on April 23, which will begin at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer.
The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, according to the Holy See Press Office.
The procession will then exit through the Arch of the Bells into St. Peter’s Square and enter the Vatican Basilica through the central door.
At the Altar of the Confession, the Cardinal Camerlengo will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of which the visits to the body of the Roman Pontiff will commence.
St Peter’s Basilica will remain open for the faithful who wish to pay their respects to the late Pope on Wednesday from 11 AM to midnight; on Thursday from 7:00 AM to midnight; and on Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
After the funeral on Saturday, Pope Francis’ body will be moved to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment.
Cardinals Begin Funeral Planning, World Leaders to Attend
Cardinals gathered at the Vatican on Tuesday to discuss funeral arrangements. The meeting, known as the Congregation of Cardinals, is part of the ancient rites triggered by a Pope’s death, which also include the destruction of his Fisherman’s Ring and lead seal to prevent any future misuse.
“We are now called on to discuss the organisation. We’ll see what comes next,” said Italian Cardinal Fernando Filoni as he entered the meeting.
“The most important thing is prayer. Let us accompany the pope with our prayers,” he added.
The Vatican expects world leaders and dignitaries to attend the ceremony, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who frequently clashed with Pope Francis on immigration policy. Other expected attendees include Argentine President Javier Milei and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to diplomatic sources.
Earlier this year, the pontiff spent five weeks in the hospital battling double pneumonia. Though he appeared to recover and made a public appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, his sudden death has shocked the global Catholic community.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
