Pope Francis’s funeral will take place this Saturday in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City, with an anticipated attendance of hundreds of thousands. The passing of the 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church, who died peacefully on Monday after a stroke less than 24 hours following his Easter address, marks the end of a transformative era for the global faith. Francis’s final days were marked by a determined spirit; despite battling double pneumonia and recently spending five weeks in hospital, he appeared on the balcony to bless the crowds gathered below, expressing his apprehension about performing the task. His passing has triggered a nine-day mourning period, known as Novemdiales, and a complex process of papal succession.
The funeral service itself will commence at 10:00 AM local time in front of St Peter’s Basilica, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Key figures expected to attend include President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and numerous other heads of state and religious leaders. Significant to the service will be the unveiling of Pope Francis’s final wishes: he requested burial outside the Vatican walls at the Basilica of St Mary Major, a departure from centuries of tradition, and specifically asked for a simple interment in the earth with no elaborate decorations, only an inscription of his papal name – *Franciscus* – in Latin. The body was moved into the Chapel of Santa Marta on Monday evening, where it will remain until Friday before being transferred to St Mary Major.
The days leading up to the funeral have been filled with solemnity and reflection. Pope Francis’s remains lay in an open coffin in the Chapel of Santa Marta from Wednesday morning, allowing for widespread public viewing. The Vatican released photos depicting the Pope dressed in his papal robes, mitre, and holding a rosary – a poignant image reflecting his devotion. Thousands have already flocked to Vatican City, carrying flowers, crosses, and candles, reciting prayers and paying their respects. The Vatican is expecting up to 250,000 attendees over the three days of public viewing.
The process of electing a new Pope will begin immediately following the funeral service. The dean of the College of Cardinals has between 15 and 20 days to summon the cardinals to Rome for a conclave. Several names are already being discussed as potential successors, though the selection remains highly unpredictable. The next Pope will inherit a Church facing numerous challenges, including questions about its role in the modern world and ongoing debates regarding social justice and doctrine.
**Key Details:**
* **Date of Funeral:** Saturday, April 29th
* **Location:** St Peter’s Square, Vatican City
* **Expected Attendance:** 250,000+
* **Final Burial Location:** Basilica of St Mary Major (outside the Vatican)
* **Pope Francis’s Wishes:** Simple burial with Latin inscription, no elaborate decorations.
* **Novemdiales:** Nine-day mourning period
* **Conclave Timeline:** Dean of the College of Cardinals has 15-20 days to call cardinals to Rome.
