Vatican City: The Vatican has confirmed that the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, will be held on Saturday, April 26, with ceremonies beginning at 1:30 PM IST. Honoring his final wish, the Holy Father will be laid to rest at the St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome—one of the city’s most historic and revered churches.
Ahead of the funeral, the Pope’s mortal remains will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica starting tomorrow morning, allowing the public to offer their final respects from 12:30 PM IST. His body, currently housed in a private chapel, will be transferred to the basilica’s main hall. The late pontiff rests in a zinc-lined wooden coffin, clad in the traditional red papal robe and mitre.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell will preside over the funeral rites. In the wake of the Pope’s passing, Farrell has assumed temporary administrative control of the Vatican. For any major decisions, the College of Cardinals will convene.
Since the somber news broke, thousands of mourners have gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica to honor the beloved spiritual leader. A vigil held last night was also led by Cardinal Farrell. According to the Vatican, Pope Francis succumbed to a combination of cardiac arrest and stroke.
The world now prepares to bid farewell to a pope remembered for his humility, compassion, and enduring legacy of peace and service.
