The funeral for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced.
In a notable departure from papal tradition, Pope Francis will be laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, fulfilling his personal request to be buried near his beloved icon of the Virgin Mary, instead of the customary site at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Following the funeral, the Catholic Church will observe a nine-day mourning period known as the “novendiali.”
The conclave to elect the next pontiff is expected to commence between 15 and 20 days after the official declaration of the “sede vacante,” though the start date could be moved up if the College of Cardinals reaches consensus. As it stands, the conclave is not likely to begin before May 6.
