The Vatican on Tuesday released the first images and video footage of the late Pope Francis lying in state, marking the beginning of a week of mourning and reverence across the Catholic world.
The photos, published by Vatican Media, show the 88-year-old Pontiff dressed in red liturgical vestments with a mitre adorning his head and a rosary gently placed in his hands. His body lies in an open casket at the Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel, surrounded by Swiss Guards, cardinals, and Vatican officials offering solemn prayers and farewells.
One of the photos captures Cardinal Kevin Farrell bestowing a final blessing on the Pope, moments before his body was prepared for public veneration at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed in a statement that the funeral Mass for Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, is expected to preside over the Eucharistic celebration, which will be concelebrated by top church leaders from around the world, including Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests.
“The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio,” the statement read. “Following the Mass, Pope Francis’ body will be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica and then moved to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment.”
According to the Vatican, before the funeral rites, the coffin bearing Pope Francis will be transferred from the Casa Santa Marta chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica to allow the public to pay their final respects.
As the Catholic faithful continue to mourn the passing of the beloved Pontiff, tributes are pouring in globally. Dignitaries, including heads of state, are expected to attend the burial ceremony in Rome.
