The Vatican has formally declared that the Pope’s funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM local time (09:00 AM BST).
This significant ceremony is anticipated to attract worldwide attention, with numerous world leaders, dignitaries, and thousands of devoted followers expected to participate in this solemn event. The Holy See has verified the date and time in a concise statement, indicating that additional information regarding the funeral rites, attendees, and preparations will be provided in due course.
Traditionally conducted in St. Peter’s Square, papal funerals are characterized by a series of ancient rituals and prayers, drawing pilgrims from around the globe to pay their final tributes to the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. The world now focuses on Rome, where the faithful, dignitaries, and ordinary citizens are expected to assemble in memory of a pope who ushered in a transformative period for the Catholic Church.
From Poland, President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda will be present at the funeral. Furthermore, President Duda has proclaimed Saturday as a national day of mourning, a gesture that highlights the late pontiff’s global impact and the profound connections between Poland and the Catholic Church.
His international policy advisor, Wojciech Kolarski, announced this decision via a post on X (formerly Twitter). Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has also confirmed his attendance at the Vatican to pay tribute to Pope Francis, who maintained a significant relationship with Latin America throughout his papacy.
