Pope Francis’s funeral scheduled for April 26

The Vatican has officially pronounced the funeral date for Pope Francis which is set to be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 10:00 local time (09:00 BST).

The occasion is awaited to attract global attention, with leaders world-wide, dignitaries, and thousands of faithful expected to attend the solemn ceremony.

The date and time for the funeral was affirmed by the Holy See in a brief statement, remarking that further details in regards to the funeral rites, attendees, and preparations will be communicated in due course.

According to tradition, papal funerals are marked by a series of ancient rites and prayers, drawing pilgrims from across the world to pay their final respects to the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church held in St. Peter’s Square.

In instances where the trustworthy, dignitaries, and average citizens alike are anticipated to garner in recollection of a pope who numbered a transformative era for the Catholic Church making the world turning its eyes to Rome.

From the shores of Poland, President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda will attend the funeral of the Pope, declaring that, Saturday will be a day of national mourning, a motion which underscores the late pontiff’s worldwide influence and an intense tie between Poland and the Catholic Church.

This was announced by the President’s international policy advisor, Wojciech Kolarski, who shared this decision via a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The President of Brazile Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has also confirmed that he will journey to the Vatican to give his last respect to Pope Francis, who over the years has built and maintained a notable connection with Latin America throughout his papacy.