Vatican Announces Date for Pope’s Final Farewell

ROME, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital — Pope Francis will be laid to rest on Saturday following three days of lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. Mourners are expected to gather to pay their respects to the first Latin American pontiff in history.

Cardinals convened at the Vatican’s synod hall this week to discuss the next steps before a conclave is held to select Francis’ successor. This conclave is required to take place between May 5 and 10, as condolences continued to pour in from across the globe.

The funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, overseen by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. Notable attendees include U.S President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei.

Pope Francis passed away on Monday at age 88 after suffering a stroke that led to heart failure. He had been recovering in his apartment after a five-week hospitalization for pneumonia, making his last public appearance on Easter Sunday, where he greeted followers from his popemobile.

During this final appearance, which took place from the same loggia where he was introduced to the world in 2013, Francis underscored his mission to revitalize the Church’s commitment to the vulnerable.

Vatican officials reflected on Francis’ legacy. “He truly gave everything he had, up to the end,” remarked Sister Nathalie Becquart, a prominent Vatican figure. Ordinary faithful will be allowed to pay their respects starting Wednesday, though Vatican officials began their farewells on Monday evening.

Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi emphasized that one of Francis’ lasting impacts was his advocacy for women within the Church. Instead of the traditional burial site for popes, Francis specifically requested to be interred near the Salus Populi Romani icon of the Virgin Mary at St. Mary Major Basilica.

World leaders and ordinary citizens alike expressed their condolences following the announcement of Francis’ death. Soccer matches in Italy and Argentina were suspended to honor the pope, a known supporter of San Lorenzo. Bells tolled in churches and flags flew at half-staff in various nations as a testament to his influence.

In East Timor, President Jose Ramos-Horta praised his courage, stating that Francis was unafraid to confront global power structures that perpetuate conflict. From Africa, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu acknowledged Francis’ commitment to justice and compassion for the marginalized.

Following centuries-old rituals, the pope’s formal apartments at the Apostolic Palace and Santa Marta hotel were sealed. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced Francis’ death, a step in the succession process that begins in earnest now.

In a departure from previous papal customs, Francis chose a more understated burial arrangement. His body will be placed in a simple wooden coffin with a zinc lining, rather than in multiple coffins. Upon arrival at St. Peter’s Basilica, the casket will not be raised on an elevated bier but positioned simply facing the congregation.

Following the funeral, a nine-day period of mourning, known as “novendiali,” will commence. During this time, cardinals will gather in Rome, leading to the conclave where the next pope will be elected. The election process involves secret votes, with black smoke indicating an inconclusive outcome and white smoke signaling the election of a new leader.

This solemn chapter in the history of the Vatican marks both a conclusion and a beginning as the Church prepares to continue its mission under new leadership.