Pope Francis' Body Lies in State at St. Peter's Basilica Ahead of April 26 Funeral
Pope Francis' mortal remains have been moved from Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter's Basilica, where the faithful can pay their respects until his funeral on Saturday, April 26.
Solemn Procession Marks Transfer to Basilica
On Wednesday morning, the College of Cardinals led a procession carrying Pope Francis' coffin through Vatican City's Santa Marta Square, under the Arch of the Bells, and into St. Peter's Basilica. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, initiated the rite with a prayer in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, expressing gratitude for the Pope's 12-year ministry.
Over 20,000 mourners gathered in St. Peter's Square, offering subdued but sustained applause as the coffin was brought into the basilica. Inside, the coffin was placed before the Altar of the Confession, accompanied by the chanting of the Litany of the Saints in Latin. Cardinal Farrell then led a brief Liturgy of the Word, including a reading from the Gospel of John (17:24-26). The rite concluded with the hymn "Salve Regina."
Public Viewing Schedule
The Basilica will remain open for public viewing during the following times:
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Wednesday, April 23: Until midnight
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Thursday, April 24: 7 AM to midnight
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Friday, April 25: 7 AM to 7 PM
Funeral Details
The Funeral Mass for Pope Francis is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10 AM local time (0800 GMT) in St. Peter's Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the ceremony. Dignitaries from around the world, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, are expected to attend.
Burial Plans
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, becoming the first pope since Leo XIII in 1903 to be interred outside the Vatican. He opted for a simpler burial, choosing a basic wooden coffin lined with zinc, departing from the traditional triple coffin used in papal funerals.
