Pope Francis: funeral service and burial on April 26th in Rome

Pope Francis: funeral service and burial on April 26th in Rome

Basilika Santa Maria Maggiore, Rom, Italien - On April 26, 2025, the funeral for Pope Francis will take place in Rome after the 88-year-old Pontifex died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Death was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell at 7:35 a.m. in a press release. Francis died of the consequences of a stroke, whereby treating doctors reported a kind of "brain disease". He should have fallen asleep peacefully.

The ceremonies start at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Basilica. The funeral procession, which travels a distance of six kilometers through Rome, ends in the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis is betting to the last rest in a simple burial. This burial is subject to the express request of Francis, which stated, not to be buried in St. Peter's Basilica, but in this church. A happy coexistence of the funeral guests is planned for the burial, which include both believers and high -ranking political representatives.

Details on the mourning process

The schedule for April 26, 2025 provides for the following:

• 9:00 p.m.: Arrival of the cardinals in Petersdom
• 9:30 p.m.: Arrival of the state guests on Petersdom
• 10:00 p.m.: Start of the funeral service in St. Peter's Basilica
• 11:45 a.m. (approx.): End of the funeral service
• 1:00 p.m.: Departure of the funeral procession
• 2:30 p.m.: Arrival at the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore
• 3:00 p.m. (approx.): Support

Around 200,000 funeral guests are expected in the city, including high -ranking heads of state. The prominent guests include: US President Donald Trump, France President Emmanuel Macron, Prince William from Great Britain, as well as head of state from Argentina, Brazil and Spain. These important guests are expected in St. Peter's Basilica and along the funeral procession.

live broadcasts and media reporting

The funeral service is fully broadcast by the media. The ARD sends a live broadcast from 9:50 a.m. to around 1:00 p.m. RTL, NTV and the ZDF are also broadcast the ceremony live. The ZDF then plans a summary of events, while the Vatican media offer multilingual transmissions.

On Saturday, over 10,000 security forces will be in use to ensure the smooth running of the funeral service. State guests are seated according to the diplomatic protocol. The ceremonies contain traditional prayers and rituals, including All Saints' Litania and prayers in Greek. The city of Rome has made great preparations to make the last farewell to one of the most popular popes of modern times.

The burial will take place on a small scale, with cardinals and tight confidants of Pope Francis, and the tombstone is kept simple with only the inscription "Franciscus". After his death, the success of the Pope will be decided in the upcoming conclave, probably in early May. 133 cardinals entitled to vote will then choose a new Pope. The Italian Pietro Parolin is the favorite for the successor.

This funeral celebrates a significant moment for the Catholic community and the world, while you say goodbye to a guide who was known for his dialogue and his efforts for interreligious peace.