The funeral rites for Pope Francis will follow a revised protocol, departing from traditional practices observed for previous popes. Traditionally divided into three stations—the home of the deceased pope, the Vatican Basilica, and the burial place—the rites for Francis will feature unique adaptations in accordance with his wishes.
In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis requested the first station be held in a chapel, reflecting his “home” at Casa Santa Marta. His body was subsequently transferred directly to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning. Unlike funerals for John Paul II and Benedict XVI, Francis’ coffin bypassed the Apostolic Palace and was not displayed on an elevated bier—the “Canaletto” or “death bed.”
The pontiff will lie in public view in St. Peter’s Basilica for three days, until Friday evening. His coffin will then be sealed in the presence of cardinals and Holy See officials. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the funeral Mass, which will also be celebrated by patriarchs and cardinals wearing their white damask mitres. Archbishops and bishops have been invited to join, adorned in liturgical vestments, which they will don in St. Peter’s Square.
Distinguished figures are expected to attend. Representing the UK will be the Prince of Wales, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney.
Among global attendees are U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania, and Irish leaders President Michael D. Higgins, his wife Sabina, and premiers Michael Martin and Simon Harris.
Due to the anticipated high attendance, the Requiem Mass is expected to extend beyond the usual hour to 90 minutes.
Following the funeral, as per tradition, papal remains are to be moved to the grotto of St. Peter’s Basilica for burial, unless the pope opts for an alternative site. Pope Francis expressed his desire to be interred at Rome’s Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, making him the first pope in over a century not to be buried at St. Peter’s Basilica—a distinction last noted with Pope Leo XIII in 1903.
In his will, Francis detailed his request for a simple tomb in Saint Mary Major’s burial niche, adorned solely with the inscription “Franciscus.” He expressed his deep devotion to Mary Most Holy, stating, “I have always entrusted my life and ministry to the Mother of Our Lord.” His final wishes reflect his modesty and lifelong connection to this ancient Marian shrine.