Pope Francis’ funeral date set as mourners gather at St. Peter’s Square

Pope Francis’ funeral will be held Saturday morning in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced early Tuesday.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, stands near the body of Pope Francis, placed in an open casket during the rite of declaration of death at the Santa Marta residence in the Vatican, on April 21, 2025. via REUTERS

Public viewing of Francis, 88, who died unexpectedly on Monday after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest, will begin as soon as Wednesday morning in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The funeral will then be Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square.

A teacher places flowers in front of a portrait of the late Pope Francis on display at St Stanislaus Junior School in Surabaya on April 22, 2025. AFP via Getty Images
A volunteer carries crosses at St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, following the death of Pope Francis, as seen from Rome, Italy, on April 22, 2025. REUTERS

Francis, known for clashing with traditionalists, also strayed from some traditions in his burial plans, opting to be entombed in a simple wooden casket at St. Mary Major basilica, just outside the Vatican.

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