Update: Vatican Announces Date and Arrangements for the Funeral of Pope Francis (Morning Air)

The Vatican has officially announced the funeral arrangements for Pope Francis, whose funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time (3 AM CT) in St. Peter’s Square. The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and concelebrated by bishops, cardinals, and priests from around the world.   Relevant Radio will provide a live broadcast of the funeral from the Vatican at 3 AM CT on April 26th, as well as a rebroadcast later in the day. Stay tuned for more details regarding the broadcast of the funeral.   The liturgy will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and Valedictio, which are solemn rites that mark the formal farewell to a pope and the start of the Novemdiales: nine days of mourning and Masses offered for the repose of his soul. Following the funeral, Pope Francis’ body will be entombed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a place of deep personal devotion for him.   In preparation for the funeral, the body of the late Holy Father will be transferred from the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, beginning at 9:00 AM. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will lead the rite of translation, which will include a moment of prayer.   The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square, continue through the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, and enter St. Peter’s Basilica through the Arch of the Bells and the central door. At the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will preside over a Liturgy of the Word, after which public visitation will begin.     The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.