Pope Francis’ funeral set for Saturday

By Catholic San Francisco

The College of Cardinals met Tuesday, April 22, for a general meeting to plan the Pope’s funeral. Pope Francis’ coffin was moved in an official “Rite of Translation” procession on Wednesday, April 23, from Casa Santa Marta, where he was living, to lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica. (See photos.) Thousands of mourners will come through the basilica to say goodbye to the Holy Father over the next three days.

The funeral for the late Pontiff will take place on Saturday, April 26, 10:00 am Rome Time/1:00 am California Time, at St. Peter’s. The Pope’s body will then be taken to the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major to be buried there. While most Popes have chosen to be buried in the Vatican, there are several that are buried in other churches in Rome. Read more here. Following the Holy Father’s funeral, the Church will enter nine days of mourning.

For updated information, follow Catholic News Agency or watch EWTN live. You can also visit sfarch.org/pope-francis.

Photo: Cardinals, bishops, and Vatican officials walk alongside Pope Francis’ coffin in St. Peter’s Square on April 23, 2025, during the solemn transfer as Swiss Guards stand in formal formation. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA