The universal Church prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis with a funeral Mass on Saturday, April 26, beginning at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square. According to Vatican News, the liturgy will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and will conclude with the transfer of the Holy Father’s coffin to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major for burial.
In a visible testimony to the breadth of Pope Francis’ ministry, the wooden and zinc coffin, sealed on Friday evening, will be placed before the altar on the forecourt of the Basilica, facing a crowd anticipated to number several hundred thousand. These mourners, according to Jean Charles Putzolu of Vatican News, will come “from all geographical, social, political, and cultural backgrounds to pay their final respects.” This diversity embodies what Pope Francis often proclaimed: the Church that welcomes “everyone, everyone, everyone.”
First Mass of the Novemdiales
This funeral Mass will also mark the beginning of the “Novemdiales,” a traditional nine-day period of liturgical prayer for the deceased pope. As Vatican News explains, the funeral Mass is the first of nine Masses to be held daily at St. Peter’s through May 4.
During the liturgy, the patriarchs and cardinals will be distinguished from the bishops by “the purple of their liturgical garments and their white damask miters,” while the bishops will wear plain white miters. The Mass readings will include selections from the Acts of the Apostles, the Letter of Saint Paul to the Pharisees, and the Gospel of John. The homily will be delivered by Cardinal Re, followed by prayers of the faithful offered in multiple languages: French, Arabic, Portuguese, Polish, German, and Chinese. The Choir of the Sistine Chapel will accompany the celebration, singing for Pope Francis “one last time,” according to Vatican News.
Journey to Saint Mary Major
Following the Mass, in accordance with Pope Francis’ spiritual testament, the coffin will be transported through Rome to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. The funeral procession, about four kilometers long, will retrace a path familiar to the Holy Father, who often visited the basilica to pray before the icon of the Virgin Salus Populi Romani before and after his apostolic journeys.
Upon arriving at Saint Mary Major, the coffin will be welcomed by “the last ones,” the poor and marginalized who held a special place in Pope Francis’ heart throughout his pontificate. As Jean Charles Putzolu notes, “they will be the ones to give the final tribute before the coffin is carried to the altar of Saint Mary Major.”
The burial ceremony, taking place privately, will involve the Cardinal Camerlengo, Kevin Farrell, marking the coffin with the official seals of the Papal Household, the Liturgical Office, and the Liberian Chapter. After the burial, the notary of the Liberian Chapter will prepare the official act confirming the interment, which will be read aloud and signed by key Vatican officials present.
The entire ceremony is expected to conclude around 2:00 PM.
A Global Gathering in Rome
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis will be broadcast worldwide and available with English commentary on Vatican Media’s platforms, including vaticannews.va/en, Facebook, and YouTube. Delegations from over 130 countries and international organizations will be present, including “12 reigning monarchs, 55 heads of State, 14 heads of Government,” and other dignitaries, according to Vatican News. To document this historic moment, over 4,000 journalists have received accreditation from the Holy See.
As the world gathers to honor a pontiff who tirelessly proclaimed the Gospel to the peripheries, the Church mourns a father whose heart was open to all — truly, “everyone, everyone, everyone.”
Is it 10 am vertican time?
What time can I join from Nigeria.
Hello, it should begin at 9 am in Nigeria on April 26.
R.I.P Pope Francis
You were a great Pope and thank you for all you have did on earth and now u r with our Father. Go home and rest. Love always
R.I.P Pope Francis