By Jenna Sundel Newsweek World
Hundreds of thousands are expected to gather for the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday.
The 88-year-old pontiff died from a heart attack and stroke on Monday.
Francis' body has been lying in state at St. Peter's Basilica, where cardinals and members of the public have an opportunity to pay their respects. Public visitation will end on Friday.
Why It Matters
Following a pope's death, the Catholic Church follows a set of rules established in the apostolic constitution. The funeral is held during a period known as the "novendiales," a nine-day period of mourning dating back to Ancient Rome.
Before his death, Francis opted for simplified funeral rites in a break from historical tradition. Previous popes were entombed in three coffins, one made of cypress, another made of zinc and a third made of elm, nested inside each other. Francis will be buried in a single coffin made of wood and zinc.
What To Know
Francis' funeral will be held mainly outside in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City.
What Time Is Pope Francis' Funeral?
The funeral is expected to begin at 10 a.m. local time, which is 4 a.m. EST.
What Happens at Pope Francis' Funeral?
World leaders, leaders in the Catholic Church and members of the public will gather to honor Francis.
President Donald Trump will be in attendance with first lady Melania Trump. Britain's Prince William will be there on behalf of his father, King Charles III. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also attend.
Others expected to attend are U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, Argentine President Javier Milei, French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Schedule of Events at Pope Francis' Funeral
The funeral will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
After the ceremony, Francis will be buried in Rome at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. The burial site is another break from tradition, as popes are typically buried inside the Vatican.
Streets will be closed for a procession from the funeral site to the burial site. Thousands of officers will be on duty and increased security measures will be in place.
What People Are Saying
President Trump, in a Truth Social post: "Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!"
King Charles III, in a statement: "We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ."
What Happens Next
The new pope will be chosen through a secret election known as a conclave. A group of 135 cardinals will meet behind closed doors at the Sistine Chapel. The voting continues until a candidate receives two-thirds of the vote.
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This story was originally published April 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM.
