The Vatican has announced that the funeral of Pope Francis will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT).

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The ceremony is expected to draw world leaders and dignitaries from across the globe as the Catholic Church bids farewell to its spiritual leader.

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Following his death, Francis’ open coffin was placed at the altar of the chapel in the Santa Marta guesthouse—his former residence. On Wednesday, his remains will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful will pay their final respects before the funeral.

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The funeral is expected to be one of the largest religious gatherings in recent years. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have all confirmed their participation. Other world figures attending include German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Janja Lula da Silva, Argentine President Javier Milei, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska, as well as Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, and East Timor President José Ramos-Horta and Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas.

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In honor of the late pope, the Italian government has declared five days of national mourning. Flags are flying at half-staff in countries such as India, Australia, Taiwan, and the United States. Soccer leagues in both Italy and Argentina have suspended matches in tribute.

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Mourners around the world have gathered in cathedrals to pray and grieve, with many overcome by emotion.

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Francis’ papacy lasted 12 years, during which he was widely praised for his humility and unwavering support for marginalized communities.

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He visited more than 60 countries and was known for minimizing Vatican ceremony, often opting for modest gestures in place of traditional displays of authority.

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In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will not be interred in the grand papal tombs of St. Peter’s Basilica. Instead, he asked to be laid to rest “in the earth, simple, without particular decoration,” with only “Franciscus” inscribed in Latin.

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His chosen resting place is the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore—one of the four major churches of Rome, located about 4 kilometers from the Vatican.

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The site held deep personal significance to him due to his devotion to the Virgin Mary. He made over 150 visits to the chapel during his pontificate, especially before and after his travels.

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Following the funeral, a nine-day official mourning period will conclude with the start of the papal conclave, where cardinals from around the world will gather to elect the next pope—continuing one of the oldest and most sacred traditions of the Catholic Church.

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