The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’ funeral will take place this Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, as the Catholic Church enters a sacred transition period marked by mourning, global reflection, and preparations to elect a new pope.
As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the Vatican has announced his funeral will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square. The Mass will be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, while preparations are already underway for public viewing and the eventual selection of his successor.
Cardinals convened on Tuesday for the first of several official meetings aimed at overseeing Church affairs during the interregnum — the period between popes. According to Vatican officials, around 60 cardinals participated in the initial gathering, during which they scheduled the Pope’s burial and laid out plans for the days ahead.
Public viewing of Pope Francis’ body will begin Wednesday. His casket will be transferred by solemn procession from Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican residence where he chose to live instead of the papal apartments, to St. Peter’s Basilica, where mourners from around the world will be allowed to pay their final respects.
While the funeral date is now confirmed, a conclave to elect the next pope has not yet been scheduled. In line with Church tradition, it is unlikely to begin before May 5, allowing sufficient time for all eligible cardinal-electors to arrive in Rome.
During this interim period, American Cardinal Kevin Farrell continues to serve as camerlengo the official tasked with administering Vatican operations until a new pope is chosen. To assist him, three prominent cardinals have been appointed: Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State; Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko, the archpriest of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where Pope Francis will be buried; and Cardinal Fabbio Baggio, a key figure in the Vatican’s migrants and development office.
These three cardinals will serve for three days before a new trio is selected to rotate into the role a measure intended to ensure shared responsibility during this sensitive period.
The global response to Pope Francis’ passing has been one of reverence and remembrance. Leaders from across continents have issued tributes highlighting his humility, social advocacy, and commitment to interfaith dialogue.
Pope Francis, known for his progressive stances and people-first papacy, will be buried in one of the four major basilicas of Rome a final resting place befitting a pope who reshaped perceptions of the Catholic Church and brought its message closer to the marginalized.
As cardinals quietly begin to contemplate his successor, the faithful wait not only to mourn but to witness a new chapter in Catholic history.
