Pope Francis’ Funeral Scheduled for Saturday in St. Peter’s Square as Vatican Begins Farewell

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, presides over the rite of certification of death of Pope Francis in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’ funeral will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square. The Mass will be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, as the Catholic Church begins its formal farewell to the late pontiff.

Following Pope Francis’ death, the College of Cardinals convened at the Vatican to coordinate key matters, including funeral and burial arrangements, the timeline for the upcoming papal conclave, and interim governance of the Holy See. The cardinals also finalized the schedule for the public to pay their respects.

Public viewing of Pope Francis’ body is set to begin Wednesday inside St. Peter’s Basilica. His casket will be transferred in a solemn procession from the Vatican guesthouse where he had been living. The transfer and liturgical rituals will be overseen by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo and interim Vatican administrator, under directives issued by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of liturgical ceremonies.

These events mark the beginning of a period of mourning and transition for the global Catholic community, as preparations move forward to elect the next pope and continue the leadership of the Church.