Pope Francis Funeral Date, Time, Live Telecast & Where to Watch

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a pioneering Jesuit pope, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death at 7:35 a.m. local time, a day after his much-anticipated appearance at Saint Peter's Square on Easter Sunday. His passing has left the Catholic Church and the world in mourning, marking the end of a papacy that reshaped the Church's approach to social issues, interfaith dialogue, and its role in global matters.

At 9:45 AM on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke these words at the Casa Santa Marta:

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

Pope Francis Funeral Details

In line with his wishes, Pope Francis will receive a modest and stripped-back funeral, departing from the traditional, elaborate rituals typically reserved for the papacy. The Church is now in a period of sede vacante - the Latin phrase meaning "the seat is vacant."

Cardinal Farrell, whose role includes confirming the death of a pope, will have visited the body privately, calling the pope's baptismal name thrice - a centuries-old tradition. The pope's fisherman's ring, used to seal official documents, will be defaced to mark the end of his authority.

His body will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica, dressed in papal vestments but without the ornate catafalque. Gone too are the triple coffins and the removal of internal organs - practices that once saw popes' hearts preserved in marble urns across Rome.

Instead, Pope Francis will be buried in a single wooden and zinc coffin, in Santa Maria Maggiore - his favoured Roman basilica and the place he prayed before and after each overseas trip. This makes him the first pope in a century to be buried outside the Vatican Grottoes.

• Date & Time: The funeral is scheduled for
• Location: St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
• Live Telecast: The ceremony will be broadcast live on https://www.youtube.com/vatican
• Where to Watch: Viewers can watch the live broadcast

Following the death of Pope Francis, his body will be laid in state at St. Peter's Basilica, allowing the public to honor his memory.

Nine Days of Mourning and the Conclave Ahead

The Vatican has entered Novendiale, the nine-day period of official mourning, which includes daily prayer services and Requiem Masses, not only in Rome but also across the Catholic world.

As outlined by the constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, the pope's funeral must be held between the fourth and sixth day after his death. It will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals, and take place in St. Peter's Square.

Following the funeral, the focus will shift to the conclave - the sacred and secretive process of electing a new pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, with about 120 expected to participate. They will be locked inside the Sistine Chapel, cut off from all communication, until a new pope is selected by a two-thirds majority vote.

Each vote will see the burning of ballots in a special stove. Black smoke signals that no pope has been chosen, while white smoke will announce to the world the election of a new pope - a moment that will be eagerly awaited across the globe.

The death of Pope Francis has left millions of followers around the world reflecting on his lasting legacy. From his efforts to reach out to the marginalized to his outspoken calls for environmental responsibility, the pontiff's impact will continue to resonate within and beyond the Catholic Church.

As the Church prepares for the funeral, millions are expected to join the live telecast to pay their respects to the pope, whose leadership will be remembered for his progressive approach and emphasis on humility.