Where will Pope Francis be buried? All we know so far as sovereign dies at 88 after double pneumonia battle

Mass for the death of Pope Francis in Bolivia - Source: Getty
When will Pope Francis' funeral be held? (Image via Getty)

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He passed away at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican, where he had resided since being elected Pope in 2013. His death came after a brief fight with double pneumonia, according to Vatican News.

On the night of his death, Vatican authorities commenced the traditional funeral proceedings. Pope Francis' body will be moved to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday morning, April 23, 2025. As per The New York Times and other outlets, Pope Francis will be buried at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, in keeping with his will.

His death has commanded worldwide attention. The Vatican is adhering to centuries-old traditions, but some aspects of the plan are in accordance with the personal desires of Pope Francis.


Where will Pope Francis be buried?

St. Patrick Cathedral in United States commemorates Pope Francis - Source: Getty
St. Patrick Cathedral in United States commemorates Pope Francis - Source: Getty

Pope Francis had asked to be buried in Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major. This is contrary to what happened in the case of most of his predecessors, who were buried beneath St. Peter's Basilica.

The Basilica of St. Mary Major is among the oldest churches in Rome. It was a site frequently visited by him while he was pope. He had a special association with the church and had long made it clear that he wished to be buried there.

Reports from Fortune and NPR state that he had designed many details of his funeral in advance. The Vatican will follow his desires unless unforeseen circumstances alter the plan.

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When will Pope Francis' body be moved for public viewing?

Mass for the death of Pope Francis in Bolivia (Image via Getty)
Mass for the death of Pope Francis in Bolivia (Image via Getty)

His body is expected to be moved to St. Peter's Basilica on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025. This is where individuals will be in a position to see his body and pay their respects. This step is referred to as public veneration.

The body will be laid in an open coffin. This enables members of the public, clergy, and officials to bid farewell. The basilica will be open for a few days so that as many people as possible can visit.

This aspect of the funeral rites is typical for popes. It occurred in the case of Pope John Paul II in 2005. Vatican News and CNN note that this practice will repeat for Pope Francis. Security and crowd control will be tight given the number of the visitors.

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Where will his funeral take place?

Asia's Catholics Respond To Death Of Pope Francis - (Image via Getty)
Asia's Catholics Respond To Death Of Pope Francis - (Image via Getty)

The funeral will probably be held in St. Peter's Square, depending on the weather. In the event of poor weather, the ceremony would be brought indoors. The College of Cardinals will settle on a date when they get together on April 22.

Massive delegations of world leaders and religious leaders are anticipated to join in. Pope Francis was recognized globally, and his funeral will be a huge international event. Information on attendance and seating will be coordinated by Vatican authorities and made public shortly.


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Edited by Deebakar