Official: Vatican Announces Pope Francis’s Burial Date, Time, and Venue….

The Vatican has officially announced the details of Pope Francis’s funeral, following his unexpected passing on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The pontiff, renowned for his humility and reformist approach, had been hospitalized recently due to double pneumonia, though no official cause of death has been provided. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from Catholics worldwide, who remember him for his dedication to marginalized communities and interfaith dialogue.

Funeral Details

In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, rather than in the traditional Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. This marks a significant departure from tradition, as the last pope to be interred outside the Vatican was Pope Leo XIII in 1903. The pope had previously expressed his preference for this location due to his deep devotion to the Marian icon, Salus Populi Romani, housed within the basilica. He had made over 100 visits to this site during his papacy, often praying before the icon before and after international trips citeturn0search5turn0search4.

The funeral will be a simpler affair compared to traditional papal ceremonies. Pope Francis had worked with the Vatican’s master of ceremonies to streamline the funeral rites, opting for a basic wooden coffin lined with zinc and foregoing the customary public viewing of his body on a raised platform. The proceedings will begin with the Rite of Ascertainment of Death, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the current Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. The funeral is expected to take place four to six days following his death citeturn0search19.

Global Reactions

Taiwan, one of the Vatican’s few diplomatic allies, expressed its sorrow and confirmed plans to send envoys to the funeral, highlighting the strong ties between the two entities citeturn0news16. Leaders from various nations have praised the pope’s commitment to peace, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.

Succession Plans

Following the funeral, the process to elect a new pope will commence. The College of Cardinals, comprising 135 members under the age of 80, will convene in a conclave to select the next pontiff. Notably, Pope Francis appointed a significant number of these cardinals, many from non-European countries, reflecting his vision for a more globally representative Church. The conclave is expected to begin approximately 15 to 20 days after the funeral

Pope Francis’s passing marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. His legacy of humility, reform, and outreach to the marginalized will continue to influence the direction of the Church in the years to come.