Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday, burial in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Rome – Tomorrow, April 23, at 9:00 a.m., the coffin of Pope Francis will be taken from the Chapel of the Domus Santa Marta to the Papal Basilica of St. Peter’s, according to the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis. The Vatican announced this, explaining that after the moment of prayer, presided over by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, the translation will begin.

The procession will pass through St. Marta’s Square and the Roman Protomartyrs’ Square; from the Arco delle Campane, it will exit into St. Peter’s Square and enter the Vatican Basilica through the central door. At the Altar of Confession, the Camerlengo Cardinal will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, at the end of which visits to the body of the Roman Pontiff will begin.

On Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m., the first day of the Novendiali, the exequial Mass of Roman Pontiff Francis will be celebrated on the parvis of St. Peter’s Basilica, according to the provisions of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (nos. 82-109). The Exequial Liturgy will be presided over by His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.

Heads of state and government are expected in Rome, among whom the president of the United States, Donald Trump, with the first lady, Melania, and the president of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, have already confirmed their presence.

At the end of the Eucharistic Celebration, the Ultima Commendatio and Valedictio will take place. Following this, the coffin of the Roman Pontiff will be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica and from there to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial.