The body of Pope Francis will be transported this morning to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state for public viewing. Thousands of faithful are expected to travel to the Vatican in the coming days to bid farewell to the man known as the “Pope of the Poor.”
The funeral will take place on Saturday, 26 April at 11:00 Cyprus time, in St. Peter’s Square. After the ceremony, the Pope’s coffin will be taken inside the basilica and then to Santa Maria Maggiore, in accordance with his own wishes, where he will be laid to rest.
More than 200,000 people are expected to attend. Among the dignitaries will be Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, alongside foreign delegations from over 170 nations, including US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending.
The Italian government has declared five days of mourning, and tight security is in place throughout Rome, set to continue until the upcoming conclave. Military forces, police, and civil protection teams have been deployed, including trained divers inspecting the Tiber River near the Vatican.
A lasting legacy
Though his voice has fallen silent, Pope Francis leaves behind a powerful legacy — one of hope, compassion, and dialogue. Beloved by many for his humility and social awareness, his memory is being honoured by people of all faiths around the world.
According to Vatican protocol, a conclave will be convened 15 to 20 days after his death to elect a new Pope. The vote will take place in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals under the age of 80 will vote in secret. A candidate must receive two-thirds of the vote to be elected.
During the process, cardinals are completely secluded — no phones, no outside contact. Each day allows for up to four rounds of voting. Black smoke signals an inconclusive vote. When a new Pope is chosen, white smoke rises above the basilica.
