Vatican Announces Funeral Plans for Pope Francis

The Funeral Mass of His Holiness Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, marking the first day of the Novendiali—the traditional nine days of mourning and Masses for a deceased pope.

The funeral liturgy will follow the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (nos. 82–109) and be presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.

Concelebrants and Participation

• Patriarchs and Cardinals are to arrive by 9:00 a.m. at the Chapel of St. Sebastian inside the Basilica, bringing a white damask mitre.

• Archbishops and Bishops should be present by 8:30 a.m. at the Constantine Wing, vested with amice, alb, cincture, and a simple white mitre.

• Presbyters must arrive by 8:30 a.m. in the section designated for them in St. Peter’s Square, wearing amice, alb, cincture, and a red stole.

Following the Eucharistic Celebration, the Final Commendation (Ultima commendatio) and Farewell (Valedictio) will be conducted. The coffin of Pope Francis will then be carried into St. Peter’s Basilica and later transferred to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, fulfilling the late Pontiff’s wish to be buried near the icon of Salus Populi Romani.

Attendance for Papal Chapel Members

In accordance with the Motu Proprio Pontificalis Domus, members of the Papal Chapel who wish to attend without concelebrating must request an official Notification by emailing celebrazioni@celebra.va.

Participants are required to wear appropriate choir dress and be seated in St. Peter’s Square by 9:00 a.m., as directed by the papal masters of ceremonies.