The Vatican has announced that the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, will be held on Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
The decision was reached less than 24 hours after his passing, during the first general congregation of the College of Cardinals.
The meeting, which convened at 9 a.m. local time on Tuesday, April 22, was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the senior cardinal deacon.
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The Church is united in mourning, but also in reverence. This is a moment of profound grief, but also deep gratitude for his decades of service, Re said following the session.
Pope Francis’ body will be moved from the Chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae to St. Peter’s Basilica in the days leading up to his funeral, the Vatican has confirmed.
The transfer may take place as early as Wednesday morning. Once inside the basilica, the late pontiff will lie in state for three days, allowing the public to pay their final respects to a leader who significantly influenced the direction of the modern Catholic Church.
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The funeral is set for 10 a.m. local time (9 a.m. BST) on Saturday, April 26, and is expected to draw thousands of mourners from around the world, including global leaders, religious dignitaries, and members of the Catholic faithful.
Vatican officials have also indicated that additional congregations will convene in the days ahead as the Church oversees the transition process and responds to the global outpouring following the Pope’s death.
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