The body of the late Pope Francis was transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday to lie in state until his funeral tomorrow morning. The Holy See Press Office announced on Tuesday that Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 am local time, 1.30 (IST) in St. Peter’s Square. The Mass will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe. The Eucharistic celebrations will mark the beginning of the nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. The world will today bid adieu to one of their most beloved Popes who won the hearts of millions across the globe. He will be remembered forever as the people’s Pope who led a down-to-earth life and a life devoted to the 1.3 billion Catholics spread across the globe. But most of all, Pope Francis will be remembered for his smile. He always wore an infectious smile. Incidentally, Pope Francis beatified Pope John Paul I, who was described as the “smiling Pope” and was one of the shortest-serving Popes in history. Pope John Paul I was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City from 26 August 1978 until his death 33 days later.
