The Vatican has formally announced the initial rites following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on the morning of Monday, April 21, 2025. The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the Rite of the Verification of Death and the ceremonial placement of the late Pope’s body into the coffin will take place Monday evening at 8:00 PM Rome time (11 AM in U.S. PDT) in the Chapel of Casa Santa Marta, the papal residence where Pope Francis chose to live throughout his pontificate.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite, which is traditionally carried out with solemnity and deep reverence. The Camerlengo is responsible for overseeing the Church during the interregnum between pontificates and for ensuring that the protocols of papal succession are faithfully followed.
Joining Cardinal Farrell for the rite will be the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, as well as members of Pope Francis’ immediate family and senior Vatican medical officials, including Dr. Andrea Arcangeli and Dr. Luigi Carbone of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene.
Public Veneration and Transition of the Body
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni announced that the transfer of Pope Francis’ body to St. Peter’s Basilica is expected to occur on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, pending confirmation after the first Congregation of Cardinals. There, the faithful will be given the opportunity to venerate the late Holy Father—a man whose papacy was marked by humility, care for the marginalized, and calls for mercy and synodality.
This solemn procession from Casa Santa Marta to the basilica is anticipated to draw thousands of mourners from around the world. The viewing period will allow Catholics and pilgrims to offer prayers, pay respects, and reflect on the legacy of the first pope from the Americas.
Canonization Postponed Amid Mourning
In a separate statement, the Vatican confirmed the temporary suspension of the canonization Mass for Blessed Carlo Acutis, which had been scheduled for April 27, Divine Mercy Sunday. The celebration, which was expected to draw immense international attention due to Blessed Carlo’s status as a millennial and patron of the digital age, will be rescheduled following the election of a new pope.
The End of an Era
As Catholics worldwide begin the mourning period, many reflect on Pope Francis’ lasting impact: his encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, his pastoral outreach to prisoners and refugees, his championing of synodality, and his emphasis on a “Church that goes forth.”
In the days ahead, the Church enters a period known as Sede Vacante—the time between the death of a pope and the election of his successor. The College of Cardinals will soon gather in Rome to begin the process of electing the next Supreme Pontiff.
Until then, the world watches, prays, and remembers a pope who broke boundaries, defied expectations, and called all Catholics to return to the heart of the Gospel: mercy.
Your support makes stories like this possible!
Catholic Online News relies entirely on the generosity of donors to provide unfiltered, free access to news that reflects the authentic Catholic perspective on life, faith, family, and freedom. Your donation ensures that millions worldwide can continue visiting our site to discover the truth they seek, rooted in Catholic teachings. By supporting us, you help maintain a beacon of light for those navigating the complexities of our modern world through the lens of our faith.
