Pope Francis, who passed after a battle with pneumonia, will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 9:30 am Vatican time in St. Peter’s Square.

The funeral ceremony for the departed leader of the Catholic Church will be conducted by Cardinal Giovanni Batista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals.

A statement released by the Vatican indicates that the body of the late Pope will be available for viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica starting today, Tuesday, April 22.  

“The Vatican anticipates the arrival of millions of mourners, prompting Italy and Rome to enhance security measures,” the Vatican communicated in its statement to news organizations.  

In a departure from the tradition of burying popes in St. Peter’s grottoes, Pope Francis expressed his wish for a simple burial in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major.

This basilica held significance for him as a place where he frequently prayed before the icon of Salus Populi Romani.  

Several prominent world leaders are expected to be present at the funeral, including JD Vance, the Vice President of the United States; Javier Milei, the President of Argentina; King Charles III and Prince William; Emmanuel Macron, the President of France; and Lula da Silva, the President of Brazil.

Pope Francis was a native of Argentina. The process of electing his successor is scheduled to commence on April 28, with 117 cardinals eligible to cast their vote