The body of Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, where he will lie in state until his funeral Mass on Saturday morning, April 26. The Holy See Press Office made the official announcement on Tuesday, detailing the solemn rites and schedule of public veneration for the beloved pontiff, who passed away earlier this week. Pope Francis’ body to lie in state until funeral on Saturday morning .
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| Vatican News |
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of translation on Wednesday morning. The ceremony will begin at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer at the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope’s residence during his pontificate. The coffin will then be carried in a solemn procession through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs.
The cortege will exit through the Arch of the Bells and enter St. Peter’s Basilica via the central door, where Cardinal Farrell will lead the Liturgy of the Word at the Altar of the Confession. Following the rite, the Basilica will be opened to the public for the faithful to pay their final respects.
St. Peter’s Basilica will be open for public viewing on:
- Wednesday (April 23): 11:00 AM to Midnight
- Thursday (April 24): 7:00 AM to Midnight
- Friday (April 25): 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the Eucharistic celebration, which will be concelebrated by patriarchs, cardinals, bishops, and clergy from across the globe.
The liturgy will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, solemn rites marking the end of the funeral ceremony and the beginning of the Novemdiales—nine days of mourning and special Masses for the repose of Pope Francis' soul.
Following the funeral Mass, Pope Francis’ body will be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica before being transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he will be entombed, in accordance with his wishes.
The Vatican anticipates a significant turnout of pilgrims, dignitaries, and global religious leaders, a testament to the profound impact Pope Francis made during his papacy. As the world prepares to bid farewell to a shepherd of peace and humility, the days ahead promise to be marked by reverence, remembrance, and prayer.
Pope Francis' Testament Revealed: A Humble Farewell to a Life of Service and Devotion
Vatican City — The Vatican has released the testament of Pope Francis, dated June 29, 2022, offering a poignant glimpse into the late Pontiff’s humility, faith, and enduring devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The testament, written nearly three years before his passing, outlines his final wishes regarding his burial and encapsulates the heart of his spiritual journey.
A Life Entrusted to Mary
In his testament, Pope Francis reaffirmed his lifelong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he regarded as a source of comfort and guidance throughout his priesthood and papacy. His request for burial in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major reflects this deep connection. The basilica, one of the major Marian sanctuaries in Rome, held a special place in his heart, as he often prayed there before and after his Apostolic Journeys.
“Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary,” he wrote. “For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest—awaiting the day of the Resurrection—in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.”
A Simple Burial Reflecting a Humble Life
True to his character, Pope Francis requested that his tomb be simple, unadorned, and modest. He specified its location in a burial niche between the Pauline Chapel, also known as the Chapel of Salus Populi Romani, and the Sforza Chapel within the basilica.
The tomb is to bear only his name—“Franciscus”—a testament to his humility and desire to be remembered not as a lofty figure but as a servant of God and the Church. The Pope also ensured that the cost of the burial would be covered by a benefactor, reflecting his commitment to financial simplicity and responsibility.
A Testament of Faith and Sacrifice
In his closing words, Pope Francis expressed gratitude to those who supported and prayed for him, offering his final earthly sufferings for the causes closest to his heart: peace and fraternity among peoples.
“The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples,” he wrote.
These words echo the defining themes of his papacy, which was characterized by a call to unity, compassion, and social justice. His testament serves as a powerful reminder of his unwavering commitment to these values, even in his final days.
The Significance of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major
Pope Francis' choice of burial site underscores the deep spiritual significance of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Known for its iconic image of the Salus Populi Romani (Protectress of the Roman People), the basilica has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. For Pope Francis, it was a sacred space of prayer and reflection, and his burial there symbolizes his lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary.
A Legacy of Humility and Service
The release of Pope Francis' testament comes as the Church mourns his passing and reflects on his transformative leadership. His humility, simplicity, and unwavering focus on serving the marginalized and fostering global solidarity have left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world.
Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica, has been entrusted with overseeing the burial arrangements. The Vatican has confirmed that the preparations for the Pope’s burial are underway, adhering to his instructions.
A Final Journey of Faith
As the Catholic faithful await further announcements about the funeral and conclave, Pope Francis' testament stands as a deeply personal farewell. It is a reflection of his faith, his dedication to the Church, and his enduring trust in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In death, as in life, Pope Francis remains a beacon of humility and devotion, reminding the world of the power of faith, simplicity, and service to humanity.
The tomb of Pope Francis, bearing only the inscription “Franciscus,” will soon rest in the hallowed grounds of Saint Mary Major—a fitting conclusion to the earthly journey of a shepherd who walked humbly with God and his people.