 "A photo of the late Pope Francis stands in front of Father Francisco Javier during a Mass in his honour at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City on April 21, 2025. AP")
The funeral of Pope Francis, who died of cardiac arrest on Monday, will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 am (08:00 GMT) at St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican said in a statement.
The Vatican also released photos on Tuesday showing Pope Francis dressed in his robes and lying in a wooden coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he lived during his 12 years as Pope. Swiss Guards stood on both sides of the casket.
Pope Francis, 88, passed away on Monday after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest. As Pope, he often clashed with traditionalists and championed the poor and marginalised.
Earlier this year, Pope Francis spent five weeks in hospital with double pneumonia. He returned to the Vatican about a month ago and appeared to be recovering, even making a public appearance in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
His death has triggered traditional Vatican rituals, such as the breaking of the Pope’s Fisherman’s Ring and lead seal, to ensure no one else can use them.
World leaders expected
US President Donald Trump, who often disagreed with the Pope on immigration, said he and his wife would travel to Rome for the funeral.
Other world leaders expected to attend include Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to a source from the Vatican.