The Vatican has set Saturday, April 26, 2025, as the date for the funeral of Pope Francis, inviting the world to say a final goodbye to one of the most impactful leaders in the modern history of the Catholic Church.
The ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. local time (09:00 BST) in St. Peter’s Square and is expected to attract global attention, with thousands of faithful, clergy, and dignitaries making their way to Rome for the solemn occasion.
While the Vatican has yet to release full details of the funeral rites and list of official attendees, the announcement has already prompted strong reactions across continents.
Among the confirmed international guests are Polish President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda, who will lead a delegation from Poland—a country with deep historical and spiritual ties to the papacy. President Duda has declared April 26 a national day of mourning in honour of the Pope’s legacy.
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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is also expected in Rome to pay his respects. Pope Francis’ Latin American roots and advocacy for the Global South forged a lasting bond with Brazil and other nations in the region.
The funeral is anticipated to follow centuries-old Vatican tradition, including a sequence of rites steeped in symbolism and prayer, reflecting the late pontiff’s deep commitment to service, simplicity, and reform.
As preparations begin, the eyes of the world turn to Vatican City for what promises to be a moment of historic reflection, unity, and reverence. The Holy See has indicated that further information about the rites and international attendance will be shared in the coming days.
