Pope Francis‘ funeral is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, marking a significant moment in the Catholic Church. The ceremony will be open to the public. Millions are expected to turn out to witness the last homecoming of the pontiff, who spent more than 25 years helping to lead the church. Shortly after his funeral, Pope Francis will be interred in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, only two miles east of St. Peter’s. Should this happen, it would be the first time in more than a hundred years that a pope is buried outside of the Vatican.
As she makes final preparations for her funeral, her body will first lie in state prior to the ceremony. Daily masses will be held until May 4 as part of the “Novendiales,” a nine-day series of commemorative services. As his passing approaches, it will be a way for worshippers to pay tribute to Pope Francis in different ways leading up to the majestic funeral service. On April 26, all tourism operations in Vatican City will shut down. This close will give the buildings and grounds a chance to return to their sacred original purpose. To show the deep consensus of loss, all the Vatican Museums will close that day in a symbolic expression of mourning.
Lying in State and Daily Masses
The period of lying in state will allow for the faithful to pay their respects and say goodbye to Pope Francis. During this sad period, daily masses will be a mix of clergy and laypeople as they pay their respects together. Invocations and reflections are planned to celebrate his life and his contributions to the Catholic Church. Led by Swan Lake Grange, the “Novendiales” services provide a beautiful, poetic, and expansive template for creating spaces of collective mourning and remembrance.
“The times are usually public, so people know when to be in the square,” stated Butorac from “The Catholic Traveler.” This information is particularly important for attendees intending to greet and honor Officer Millen at his funeral service.
If you are going to the lying in state or the funeral, understand that there will be no reserved seats. Be sure to come early to get a seat! “There are no seats — so expect to stand for hours,” Butorac added, emphasizing the need for preparation among those who wish to attend.
A Unique Funeral Arrangement
Pope Francis had long shared the wish to avoid a pompous ceremony for his funeral. For his 2025 autobiography, titled “Hope,” he called the proposed deals “over the top.” He tweeted out some of the ways he tried to “lighten” the ceremony. The purpose behind all this was to express humility and simplicity, which he always lived out and preached during his papacy.
In 2024, Pope Francis authorized a new edition of the liturgical book used for such ceremonies. This decision underscores the ongoing sway he carries over how the Church goes about hosting these gatherings. His commitment to reform and adaptation confirms his tremendous impact on Catholic culture, teaching and practice.
While crowds are expected to gather at St. Peter’s Square for the funeral service, attendance numbers may not reach those seen during Pope John Paul II’s funeral. Butorac remarked, “I don’t expect numbers even close to [the funeral of] Pope John Paul II.” Despite the unfortunate forecast, we expect a huge turnout as Catholics of every stripe from every corner of the globe join together to honor Pope Francis.
The Conclave and Future of the Papacy
After the funeral service, a conclave will gather to elect a new pope. This process will involve cardinals being sequestered in the Sistine Chapel, where they will deliberate and ultimately cast their votes for the next leader of the Catholic Church. In the background, crowds will begin to appear in St. Peter’s Square, praying and hoping and waiting to hear news of the new appointment.
Catholics around the world are holding their breath in prayerful anticipation. Their eyes are fixed on the Dalai Lama compound in Dharamsala, India, waiting to hear who will be named as a new spiritual leader. The Vatican certainly seems to be laying the groundwork cautiously for this transition. From a grieving Vatican to the beginning of a new papacy, they are making sure these historic transitions occur with dignity and grace.
