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World mourns as Vatican sets April 26 for Pope Francis’ funeral
World mourns as Vatican sets April 26 for Pope Francis’ funeral
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 2 mins read
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’ funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT) at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The late pontiff’s body, currently lying in repose at the chapel of the Santa Marta guesthouse—where he lived—will be moved to the basilica on Wednesday ahead of the ceremony.
The funeral is expected to draw a wide array of world leaders, religious figures, and mourners. Confirmed attendees include U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Argentine President Javier Milei. Also expected are Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Janja Lula da Silva, Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, East Timor’s President José Ramos-Horta, and Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Italy has declared five days of national mourning, and flags are flying at half-mast in several countries including India, Australia, Taiwan, and the U.S. Football matches in Argentina and Italy have been suspended to honor the late pope, and emotional scenes have unfolded in churches as people gathered to pray and pay their respects.
Pope Francis passed away after 12 years as head of the Catholic Church, during which he championed social justice, humility, and inclusion. He visited over 60 countries and was widely praised for bringing a fresh approach to the papacy.
Known for shunning lavish traditions, Francis requested a simple burial. In his final testament, he asked to be buried “in the earth, simple, without particular decoration,” with only his papal name—Franciscus—inscribed in Latin. He chose the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore as his final resting place, a church he held dear and visited frequently during his time as pope.
Following the funeral, the Catholic Church will enter a nine-day mourning period, after which cardinals from around the world will gather for a papal conclave to elect the next pope.
Additional information from DW
