Pope Francis’ Funeral Set for Saturday, Public Viewing Begins Wed./ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Francis will lie in state beginning Wednesday before his Saturday funeral in St. Peter’s Square. World leaders and the faithful are expected to attend, with viewing open to the public for three days. The conclave to elect his successor must begin between May 5 and 10, Vatican officials confirmed.
Pope Francis Funeral Plans: Quick Looks
- Funeral Scheduled: Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
- Public Viewing: Starts Wednesday, following private viewing for Vatican officials.
- Burial Site: St. Mary Major Basilica, per the pope’s final wishes.
- Cause of Death: Died Monday at age 88 after a stroke and complications from pneumonia.
- Global Dignitaries Attending: President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei expected.
- Cardinals Meet: Initial meeting held Tuesday to begin conclave preparations.
- Conclave Timeline: Must begin between May 5 and May 10 to elect next pope.
Pope Francis’ Funeral Set for Saturday, Public Viewing Begins Wed.
Deep Look
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will be laid to rest on Saturday in a public funeral at St. Peter’s Square, with three days of lying in state beginning Wednesday to allow mourners from around the world to pay their respects. The funeral, scheduled for 10 a.m. local time, will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
Francis died Monday at age 88 after suffering a stroke that left him comatose and led to heart failure. The pontiff had been recovering in his Vatican residence following a lengthy hospital stay for pneumonia. Just one day earlier, he made a surprise appearance in his popemobile after delivering his final Easter blessing from the same balcony where he first greeted the world in 2013.
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have confirmed their attendance at the funeral, as has Argentine President Javier Milei. Bells rang out across global cathedrals, and tributes poured in for the first Latin American pope, recognized for his humility and emphasis on compassion for the marginalized.
Vatican Remembrance
Sister Nathalie Becquart, one of the highest-ranking women in the Vatican, reflected on Francis’ enduring connection to the people, saying, “He truly gave everything he had, up to the end.” Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi noted the significance of Francis’ decision to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major rather than beneath St. Peter’s, emphasizing his devotion to Mary and his vision for women in the Church.
Funeral Rituals and Resting Place
In keeping with changes introduced by Francis himself last year, his body will not be placed in the traditional three nested coffins but instead in a simplified wooden coffin with a zinc lining. The viewing setup will be minimal, with the casket placed plainly in front of the pews in St. Peter’s Basilica rather than on an elevated bier.
The burial will take place at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, home to the Salus Populi Romani — a revered icon of the Virgin Mary. The site holds special meaning for Francis, who prayed there before and after every foreign trip and visited it twice in his final month.
Worldwide Reactions
Flags flew at half-staff across multiple nations including Italy, the U.S., and India, while soccer matches in Italy and Argentina were suspended to honor the late pontiff, a lifelong supporter of the San Lorenzo club.
President Jose Ramos-Horta of East Timor, where Francis drew nearly half the population to his last outdoor Mass, remembered him as a “brave man” who championed peace over conflict. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu highlighted Francis’ commitment to justice, saying, “He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home — this Earth — is a gift we must protect.”
Conclave Preparations
Cardinals began informal meetings Tuesday in the synod hall to discuss next steps. According to Vatican norms, the conclave to elect the next pope must start between May 5 and 10, giving ample time for cardinals from around the world to travel to Rome.
The conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals under the age of 80 will vote by secret ballot. A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pope. Ballots are burned after each round; black smoke signals no decision, white smoke indicates a new pope has been chosen. The announcement will follow tradition with the proclamation “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
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