Pope Francis' Funeral Date Set as Venue, Burial Plans Announced

• The Vatican outlined a detailed funeral procession route starting at Casa Santa Marta and ending at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to view the pope’s body
• The funeral mass for the late pontiff will be held on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter's Square
• The end of the funeral mass will mark the start of Novemdiales, a nine-day mourning period for the repose of his soul

The Vatican has officially announced the funeral and burial arrangements for the late Pope Francis.

When is the pope's funeral?

In its statement, the Holy See Press confirmed that a series of ceremonies, steeped in tradition and reverence, will take place on the burial day.

Notably, the funeral mass for the late 88-year-old pontiff will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10am in St. Peter’s Square.

The liturgy will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and co-led by patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests from around the world.

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"The Mass will culminate in the Ultima commendatio and Valedictio rites, final commendations for the Pope’s soul, officially beginning the Novemdiales, a nine-day period of mourning and prayers for the repose of his soul," the statement read in part.

Following the mass, the late pope’s body will be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica and later transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for interment.

In preparation for the funeral, the Vatican detailed that on Wednesday, April 23, the pope’s coffin will be moved from the Chapel of Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful from all walks of life to pay their final respects.

The Cardinal Camerlengo, Kevin Farrell, will lead the rite of translation beginning at 9am with a prayer.

The solemn procession will travel through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, exiting via the Arch of the Bells and entering the Basilica through the central door.

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Upon arrival at the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, marking the opening of public visits to the pope’s body.

Vatican releases video of Pope Francis in open casket

In a related story, the Vatican shared a photo and video on Tuesday, April 22, showing the late Pope Francis lying in an open coffin.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, was dressed in red liturgical robes, a bishop’s mitre on his head, and a rosary placed in his hands.

Cardinal Camerlengo Farrell officiated the rites confirming the Pope's passing and oversaw the preparation of the body for public viewing.

The simple wooden casket with his hands folded over a rosary reflects Pope Francis’ well-known humility.

The images marked the official beginning of the mourning period leading up to his burial.

The Pontiff passed away after suffering a stroke and irreversible heart failure, contrary to speculation that his death was caused by the respiratory and kidney issues he had faced earlier.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke