Pope Francis‘ funeral is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, drawing pilgrims and visitors from around the globe. That created the opportunity for this event to be a public event, which will allow thousands of ordinary Americans to pay their respects to the beloved pontiff. After the funeral ceremony/concelebration, Pope Francis will be buried. His final resting place will be in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore near Rome, only two miles east of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The lying in state will give mourners the opportunity to pay their respects to Pope Francis one final time. This interim period will occur during the days leading up to Harris’ funeral. The funeral will serve as impetus for a nine-day mourning period, known as the “Novendiales.” In the interim, daily masses will celebrate the pontiff’s memory, continuing through May 4. The conclave to elect his successor will begin no earlier than May 6, 15 days after his passing.
Funeral Arrangements and Public Participation
The funeral service for Pope Francis will be held at St. Peter’s Square. Thousands are likely to converge on the space to pay tribute to him in a reverent and reflective mood. Mountain Butorac, a travel expert, noted, “The times are usually public, so people know when to be in the square.” This organization is designed to improve attendance and make sure that people who want to be there can prepare to be there.
Attendees must expect to wait in long lines. According to Butorac, “There are no seats — so expect to stand for hours.” This is extremely important info for anyone traveling to Rome! They should be willing and able to be on their feet for some time as they wait for the award ceremony to begin.
Aside from the funeral, note that all museums in Vatican City will be closed on this day. Make sure you plan your visit to fit it in! Because of this special event, tours of the Vatican Gardens and the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis are suspended on April 26. The closures are intended to honor and accommodate the massive crowds expected for the funeral service. They want to keep participants safe and secure as they attend the marathon.
A Simple Burial and Future Access
After the funeral service, Pope Francis’ body will be transported to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore where burial will take place. This site is particularly important due to the fact that this is where Pope Francis frequently worshiped. He even came in for a surprise visit on April 12, just days before his death.
The burial process will be fairly straightforward. This structure is described in the “Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis,” or “Funeral Rites for the Roman Pontiff.” As sweet and simple as this ceremony must be, visiting restrictions at Pope Francis’ final home are sure to be put in place. This approach is a testament to Pope Francis’ humble spirit and his dedication to service throughout his papacy.
Mountain Butorac remarked on expectations surrounding attendance for this event, stating, “I don’t expect numbers even close to [the funeral of] Pope John Paul II.” It’s possible that fewer non-Catholic attendees will make it to the papal funeral this time around than in past decades. Yet the Vatican Jubilee will likely bring a tidal wave of pilgrims to Vatican City.
Mourning Rituals and Future Events
This nine-day mourning period—called “Novendiales”—will begin right after Pope Francis’ funeral. Masses will be celebrated daily in churches on the pilgrimage route, and in other locations across Rome and beyond. These events pay tribute to the legacy of the late pontiff. The rituals that accompany this special period of mourning are filled with deep significance for Catholics worldwide. These figures stand as an imposing reminder of Pope Francis’ accomplishments and his lasting legacy.
While the rest of the world mourns his death, focus will quickly shift to the future and the next conclave. By that date, May 6 at the latest, the Church will begin the process of electing a new pope. It is a profound moment in the history of Catholicism. Pilgrims are going to continue coming in record numbers. They visit to pay their respects and attend all the events honoring Pope Francis’ life and legacy.
Rome is preparing for a huge visitor surge this fall with the Vatican Jubilee. They’re anticipating over 32 million pilgrims to come for this historic occasion! It’s the mix of that state funeral and all the still happening party atmosphere from the Jubilee that is making for a surreal vibe in the city right now.
