A solemn farewell is scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 a.m. local Rome time (4:00 a.m. ET), as Pope Francis’ funeral will be held on the parvis of St. Peter’s Basilica, with an anticipated attendance exceeding 200,000 people.
Throughout this week, thousands have gathered at the Vatican to offer their respects following his passing on Monday. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will lead the Catholic rites and blessings during the Mass.
The service will follow a traditional structure:
- An Entrance Antiphon, typically sung or recited by clergy and mourners, will commence the liturgy.
- A Penitential Act acknowledging sins will be followed by the Collect, an opening prayer.
- Cardinal Battista will read from the Acts of the Apostles.
- The beloved Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” will be sung.
- A reading from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians will then be presented.
- An Acclamation and the Gospel will proceed.
- Cardinal Battista will deliver a Homily, reflecting on Pope Francis’ life and offering prayers for him, the departed faithful, and those in attendance. He will also consecrate the Body and Blood of Christ before inviting attendees to receive Holy Communion.
- The chant “Requiem Aeternam” will be recited during Communion, followed by another prayer.
- Cardinal Battista will conclude with a Commendation and Farewell incorporating prayers from Rome and Eastern Churches.
- The congregation will join in singing or chanting “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” before the Mass concludes with the Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Following the service, Pope Francis will be laid to rest within a simple wooden casket at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore – a church he frequently visited and adorned with flowers during his 12-year papacy.
A nine-day period of prayer and remembrance, known as the Novendiali, began on the day of his funeral. These Masses, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, are open to employees and faithful of Vatican City.
Here’s a schedule for the Novendiali:
- Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. local Rome time (4:30 a.m. ET) – For employees and faithful of Vatican City State, presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
- Monday, April 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. local Rome time (11:00 a.m. ET) – For the Church of Rome, presided over by Cardinal Baldassare Reina.
- Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. local Rome time (11:00 a.m. ET) – For Chapters of the Papal Basilicas, presided over by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti.
- Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. local Rome time (11:00 a.m. ET) – For the Papal Chapel, presided over by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri.
- Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. local Rome time (11:00 a.m. ET) – For the Roman Curia, presided over by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell.
- Friday, May 2, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. local Rome time (11:00 a.m. ET) – For the Eastern Churches, presided over by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti.
- Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. local Rome time (11:00 a.m. ET) – For members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, presided over by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime.
- Sunday, May 4, at 5:00 p.m. local Rome time (11:00 a.m. ET) – For the Papal Chapel, presided over by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti.
