LAST UPDATE: 12:30
As officially announced by the Vatican, the funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. local time at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The faithful will then be able to pay their final respects as Pope Francis lies in state inside one of the most iconic churches in Christendom. The public viewing will continue through Friday, allowing thousands of mourners from around the world to bid farewell to a pope widely admired for his humility, compassion, and global advocacy for peace.
On Monday evening, Pope Francis’ body was respectfully transferred to the chapel of the Santa Marta guesthouse, where he lived throughout his papacy. In accordance with papal tradition, his office and residence have been sealed.
The body of the late Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. local time, the Vatican announced.
The Vatican has announced that the funeral expenses will be entirely covered by an anonymous benefactor. Meanwhile, the Italian government declared a three-day national mourning period.
As is customary in the Holy See, the official nine-day mourning period known as Novendiales has already begun.
The global community mourns the passing of the Pope of love, humility, and dialogue—a spiritual leader who left an indelible mark on the modern history of the Catholic Church and beyond.
Ecumenical Patriarch on Pope Francis’ passing: Eternal be your memory, Brother Pope Francis
In a deeply emotional statement delivered amid the joy of the Paschal season, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his heartfelt condolences for the passing of Pope Francis, whom he described as “a precious brother in Christ” and “a true friend of Orthodoxy.”
“Throughout these twelve years of his papacy, he was a faithful friend, companion, and supporter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate… He left behind an example of genuine humility and brotherly love,” said His All-Holiness.
Archbishop of Athens on Pope Francis: He had love and respect for Church of Greece
Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos sent a message for the passing of Pope Francis.
Ieronymos, referring to Pope Francis, emphasized that “he was a powerful personality, who spent himself to the prevalence of all that is good and of the values of the human being as God’s creation.”
He adds in his message that throughout his ministry as Bishop of Rome, every lowliest brother, the poor, the migrant, the refugees, in particular, occupied a central place in it
He even makes special reference to the Pope’s decision to “his exemplary generosity of returning three fragments from the Parthenon marbles in view of their re-unification with this monument of paramount
significance to the entire mankind.”
World leaders mourn the passing of Pope Francis
The passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 has sparked a wave of emotional tributes from leaders across Europe, honoring a man widely regarded as a beacon of compassion, humility, and justice.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed profound sorrow over the Pope’s passing, calling him “a great man and a great shepherd.” In a statement issued by her office, she said, “His death grieves us deeply. I had the privilege of benefiting from his friendship, his advice, and his teachings, which never failed, even in times of trial and pain.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute, describing Pope Francis as a lifelong advocate for justice and a deeply humane voice. “He stood with the most vulnerable,” Macron stated, extending “sincere condolences to Catholics around the world.” Speaking from Mayotte, he said the Pope embodied “a fraternal vision of humanity” and that “France and the whole world mourn his passing.” In times “of war and savagery,” he added, “he had true compassion for others, especially the weakest.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez echoed similar sentiments, praising Pope Francis’s unwavering commitment “to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable.” In a post on X, Sánchez remarked that the Argentine Pontiff “leaves behind a profound legacy. May he rest in peace.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the Pope’s global influence, noting, “He inspired millions far beyond the Catholic Church with his humility and pure love for the least privileged.” Sharing her condolences, she expressed hope that the legacy of the Argentinian Jesuit “will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful, and compassionate world.”
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas, Photos: EUROKINISSI
