Remembering Pope Francis: A Heartfelt Tribute to His Legacy and Love

Rest in the Peace of Christ!

Pope Francis’ body to lie in state until funeral on

Saturday, 26th April 2025 morning!

Pope Francis died on Monday 21st April 2025, at the age of 88, just a day after making a much-anticipated appearance at Saint Peter's Square for Easter Sunday celebrations, the Vatican said in a statement.

"Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," announced Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a message shared by the Vatican on its Telegram channel. "This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church."

Francis's passing came only a day after he brought joy to worshippers by appearing on the balcony of Saint Peter's Basilica for Easter Sunday, despite still recovering from a serious illness.

Earlier this year, Francis had faced two close brushes with death due to pneumonia and spent 38 days in hospital before being discharged on March 23.

On Sunday, he greeted the crowds in Saint Peter's Square with a heartfelt "Happy Easter" and, during his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" ("To the City and the World") blessing, called for freedom of thought and tolerance.

The Holy See Press Office announced on Tuesday that Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside at the Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe.

The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, or nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of Pope Francis' soul.

The late Pope's body will then be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment.

Earlier, on Wednesday, the coffin containing the Pope’s body will be carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica, so that the faithful may pay their respects.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of translation on April 23, which will begin at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer.

The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, according to the Holy See Press Office.

The procession will then exit through the Arch of the Bells into St. Peter’s Square and enter the Vatican Basilica through the central door.

At the Altar of the Confession, the Cardinal Camerlengo will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of which the visits to the body of the Roman Pontiff will commence.