The transfer of the coffin containing the body of Pope Francis from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica began today in the Vatican around 9 a.m. local time in Rome.
Once inside the basilica, the papal Camerlegno, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who governs the Church during the <em>sede vecante</em> until a new pope is elected, will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, after which visits to the Pope’s body will begin with his official lying in state.
Pope Francis’s funeral will be held Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m., Rome local time, in St. Peter’s Square. It will be presided over by Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
In addition to faithful from around the world being drawn to the event, his funeral Mass is expected to be attended by various dignitaries and heads of state from around the world. President Donald Trump has <a href="https://thecatholicherald.com/trump-orders-us-flags-at-half-mast-for-pope-francis/"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color">stated that he and his wife plan to attend the Mass</mark></a>.
Live footage of the transfer of the coffin to St. Peter’s Basilica can be followed here:
<em>Photo: The coffin containing the body of Pope Francis is transferred to the Basilica at St Peter’s Square, Vatican City, 23 April 2025. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images.)</em>
