Pope Francis Funeral: Time, Schedule & How To Watch
What hour will the world pause to remember? The funeral of Pope Francis, a man who shaped the modern Catholic Church, is scheduled for Saturday, April 26th, and is anticipated to draw an enormous crowd to Vatican City.
The world, still reeling from the news of his passing on Easter Monday, is preparing to bid farewell to Pope Francis. The beloved pontiff, who had been battling illness, died at the age of 88. His death marks a significant moment, not just for the Catholic Church, but for the global community, as it signifies the end of an era and the beginning of a period of reflection on his remarkable papacy.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2025 (Easter Monday) |
| Education | Master's degree in Chemistry, studied Philosophy and Theology |
| Ordained | Priest: December 13, 1969 |
| Consecrated Bishop | June 27, 1992 |
| Created Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Coat of Arms | Features the symbols of the Society of Jesus and the papal keys. |
| Key Initiatives | Emphasis on mercy, outreach to the poor, environmental advocacy, reform of the Curia. |
| Reference | Vatican News |
The details surrounding the funeral are as meticulously planned as the pontiff's day-to-day activities. Pope Francis's body had been lying in state at St. Peter's Basilica since Wednesday, providing an opportunity for the faithful to pay their respects. The coffin was sealed during a special liturgical rite on Friday, April 25th, at 8:00 PM, overseen by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
The funeral itself, a solemn and grand affair, begins at 4:00 AM ET on Saturday, April 26th in Vatican City, then concluding with the burial in Rome. This schedule, while adhering to tradition, will also incorporate some departures from the usual protocols, reflecting the unique and pioneering nature of the late Pope's leadership. The world will be watching, not only to mourn, but also to witness a moment of historical significance.
The preparations involved a carefully orchestrated series of events. On April 23rd, 2025, his remains were brought to St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City where they remained for three days, allowing the faithful to offer their final respects. The Vatican expects an attendance of over 200,000 individuals. The scale underscores the enormous global impact of his papacy. The presence of numerous world leaders, including both former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, emphasizes the global mourning over his loss.
In the days leading up to the funeral, a number of events occurred. On Tuesday, April 22nd, there was a lot of news to follow. Before the funeral, the body will be on public display in St. Peter's Basilica. Moreover, Vatican analyst Delia Gallagher provided insights into the preparations from St. Peter's Square. Monsignor Paul Deladurantaye, a former interpreter, shared personal recollections of the Pope's interactions with various figures.
The funeral service, a deeply moving and symbolic ceremony, will be held in St. Peter's Square. Masses with the Pope at the Vatican, whether in St. Peter's Basilica or St. Peter's Square, depend upon the nature of the celebration and the expected number of attendants. Activities of the Holy Father Pope Francis are regularly announced. In 2016, he organized an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy to address global issues of conflict, division, and struggle. He emphasized divine mercy and urged people to extend compassion and mercy to others.
The significance of this day transcends the religious sphere; it is a moment of global unity, reflection, and remembrance. The schedule includes the initial rite, followed by the funeral mass, and finally, the interment. The events of that day will honor Pope Francis's legacy. The "Novemdiales," the nine days of mourning, begin with the funeral on Saturday, with the mass set for 10:00 AM local Rome time (4:00 AM ET). The profound impact of Pope Francis's actions continues to be felt across the world, and his commitment to mercy, justice, and compassion will be forever etched in history.
The funeral's timetable and the final interment will observe protocol while also including some special aspects. The burial in Rome will act as the culminating point of the day. The funeral service will be broadcast around the world, enabling people from every continent to participate in the celebration and pay tribute to Pope Francis. His funeral, and all the events linked to it, will be a pivotal moment in the history of the Catholic Church, as well as a significant global event.
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