- Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 87.
- His funeral will be held on April 26 at St. Peter’s Basilica.
- He will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major, honoring his final wishes.
Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope and a global symbol of compassion and reform within the Catholic Church, died on Monday, April 21, at the age of 87.
His funeral will take place at 10:00 a.m. local time on Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Basilica. A public viewing begins Wednesday as his body is moved in solemn procession.
A Humble Resting Place: Pope Francis to Be Buried at St Mary Major
The Vatican has finalized funeral arrangements for Pope Francis, whose death on April 21 marks the end of a papacy defined by humility, social justice, and outreach to the marginalized. Cardinals met on Tuesday to confirm the funeral date and liturgical details, with Archbishop Diego Ravelli overseeing the ceremonial procession.
The funeral will begin at 10 a.m. local time on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Basilica. This site, known for its grandeur and historical significance, will host thousands expected to pay their final respects. The Novendiale, the traditional nine-day mourning period, will follow.
In a departure from custom, Pope Francis will be buried not beneath St. Peter’s but at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome. He frequently visited this basilica to pray before the Salus Populi Romani icon, even before and after international trips. It symbolizes his close bond with the people and his devotion to Mary.
This decision makes Francis the first pope to be buried at St Mary Major since 1669. It reflects his personal, pastoral approach to the papacy—choosing a simpler, spiritually meaningful resting place over the grandeur often associated with papal burials.
Pope Francis’s final journey mirrors his life’s message—deeply rooted in humility, simplicity, and faith. Even in death, he offers the world a powerful symbol of servant leadership.
“Let us never forget that authentic power is service.” – Pope Francis
