When and where: All you need to know about Pope Francis’ funeral

Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 following a stroke, will be laid to rest at the Vatican on Saturday (April 26). The funeral is expected to draw large crowds and the presence of numerous global leaders paying their respects to the late pontiff.

Date, time and location for Pope’s funeral

The funeral is set to take place at 10 am local time (1.30 pm IST) in St Peter’s Square, the grand Baroque plaza in front of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The date was reportedly agreed upon by cardinals during a general congregation meeting.

Where the Pope will be buried

As per his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, a site he was particularly attached to. He had reportedly requested a simple grave in the ground, marked only with the Latin inscription Franciscus, without additional decoration.

Current arrangements and public viewing

His body is currently lying in state at the Santa Marta Domus in a private setting for Vatican residents and members of the papal household. A ceremonial procession escorted his casket to St Peter’s Basilica on April 23, where it will lie in state for three days.

Unlike his predecessors, his casket will reportedly not be placed on an elevated bier but set directly on the floor, facing the pews, with the Paschal candle nearby. Tens of thousands of mourners are expected to visit during this period.

World leaders expected to attend

Numerous heads of state and global figures are expected in Rome for the funeral. U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, will attend.

Trump said in a social media post, “We look forward to being there!”

Other leaders reportedly include Argentine President Javier Milei, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William, who will represent King Charles III.

French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Irish President Michael Higgins, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok are also said to be attending.

From India, Tamil Nadu’s Minister S M Nasar and DMK MLA Inigo S  Irudayaraj will attend on behalf of the state government.

Who won’t attend?

According to reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the funeral. The Kremlin cited ongoing legal concerns linked to the International Criminal Court.

The Dutch royal family also confirmed their absence due to King Willem-Alexander’s birthday celebrations, though they expressed being deeply moved by the Pope’s passing.

Next steps in the Vatican

The conclave to elect a new pope has not yet been scheduled but is not expected to begin before May 6. While no clear favourite has emerged, early speculation has pointed to Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines and Italy’s Cardinal Pietro Parolin as potential successors.

During the interim sede vacante (vacant seat) period, Cardinal Kevin Farrell is overseeing Vatican affairs as camerlengo, supported by three other cardinals appointed to assist in administering the Church until the next pope is chosen.