By Paschal Norbert
VATICAN, APRIL 22, 2025 (CISA)- The body of the late Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, at 9:00 AM, where he will lie in state until his funeral on Saturday morning, April 26, at 10:00 AM, the Holy See Press Office has announced.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the funeral Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from around the world. The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, traditional rites that mark the beginning of the Novemdiales—nine days of mourning and Masses offered for the repose of the late Pope’s soul.
On Wednesday morning, the coffin bearing Pope Francis will be carried in a solemn procession from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will lead the rite of translation, beginning with a moment of prayer.
The procession will move through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, before passing under the Arch of the Bells into St. Peter’s Square and entering the basilica through the central door.
At the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will preside over the Liturgy of the Word. Following the liturgy, the faithful will be welcomed to pay their final respects to the Roman Pontiff as he lies in state.
After the funeral Mass on Saturday, the body of Pope Francis will be taken for final entombment at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, in keeping with his wishes.
