The Vatican confirmed the date for Pope Francis’ funeral as it put his body on public display for mourners to pay their respects.
The Vatican has officially confirmed the funeral date for Pope Francis and announced public viewing details.
Vatican announces funeral date for Pope Francis after his peaceful passing at 88.
Pope Francis died peacefully in the Vatican on April 21 following a cerebral stroke and heart failure.
His death occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time inside his private quarters in the Domus Santa Marta.
The funeral for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
This funeral marks the beginning of nine official days of mourning within the Catholic Church.
Vatican released photos of Pope Francis in his open coffin
The Vatican Secretary of State is seen praying over him at Domus Santa Marta
In the images, the pope wears red liturgical vestments, a papal mitre on his head, and a rosary in hand, while the Vatican Secretary of State prays over him at Domus Santa Marta
The rite confirming his death and body placement took place last night.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, read the official death declaration during a ceremony lasting under an hour.
Seals were also placed on the papal apartments in both the Apostolic Palace and Santa Marta.
Pope Francis’ body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing
The public can pay respects starting Wednesday morning at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Images released show Francis dressed in red vestments, holding rosary beads, inside a wooden coffin.
People from around the world are expected to gather for this historic papal farewell.
The dean of the College of Cardinals will celebrate the funeral mass
Additionally, Cardinals held a special meeting Monday to finalize arrangements for Pope Francis’ funeral ceremonies.
The Mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
A procession will follow the funeral, concluding the service within the sacred square of St. Peter’s.
Pope Francis requested a simple burial at Santa Maria Maggiore.
He made his final burial wishes known in a will dated June 29, 2022.
He requested that they bury him in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, not in the Vatican.
His tomb will be located between the Pauline and Sforza Chapels within the ancient Marian shrine.
Francis chose to omit his papal title from his future tombstone
In his will, Francis asked for a simple grave without symbols or mention of his papacy.
He wanted the inscription to read only “Franciscus” in honor of humility and personal devotion.
His final journey ends where his papal mission often began: in prayer to the Virgin Mary.
Pope Francis served twelve years as pontiff, advocating for justice, compassion, and unity worldwide.
His final wishes reflect the humility he lived by from his first day in papal office.
The Vatican now prepares to honor his legacy as faithful mourners begin their last goodbye.