Goa, April 24 -- The body of Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where the faithful will have the opportunity to pay their final respects ahead of his funeral Mass on Saturday.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the funeral will be held at 10:00 AM on April 26 in St. Peter's Square and will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. The ceremony will be concelebrated by Church leaders from around the world, including Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests.

The funeral rites will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, solemn moments that mark the beginning of the Novemdiales-nine days of mourning and Masse...