The Vatican has officially confirmed that the funeral for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10 AM local time. The ceremony will take place in St. Peter’s Square in front of the Basilica, with the coffin later moved to Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome’s Esquilino district for burial.
Public Viewing of the Pope’s Body Begins
On Wednesday, the first images of the 88-year-old pontiff in an open casket were released. The photos show him dressed in red vestments, lying in a wooden coffin with a rosary placed in his hands. From Wednesday morning, his body has been placed in St. Peter’s Basilica, where the public can pay their respects.
Cause of Death and Final Wishes
Pope Francis passed away on Monday following a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. Before his passing, he had expressed a desire for a modest funeral. In a 2023 interview, he stated he wished to be buried at the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located in his local Roman neighborhood.
Symbolic Items to Accompany Pope Francis
Several traditional and meaningful items have been placed in Pope Francis’ coffin. These include the papal mitre (a ceremonial hat), his pastoral staff known as the crozier, and a rosary. In accordance with Vatican tradition, a bag containing specially minted coins from his reign is also included. For reference, Pope John Paul II was buried with 26 coins—one for each year of his papacy.
Additionally, a legal document known as a rogito—detailing the Pope’s life and tenure—is sealed in the casket. A duplicate of this document is archived in the Vatican records.
The Broken Fisherman’s Ring
As with past Popes, Francis’ burial will include the symbolic placement of a broken fisherman’s ring—a distinct signet ring presented at papal inauguration. This ring is ceremonially destroyed before interment to signify the official end of the pontiff’s reign.
