Breaking news:Pope Francis’s body to lie in state until funeral on Saturday, Vatican says…See reasons below 👇 👇

Breaking news:Pope Francis’s body to lie in state until funeral on Saturday, Vatican says…See reasons below 👇 👇

Pope Francis’s Body to Lie in State Until Funeral on Saturday, Vatican Announces: Live Updates
VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has announced that the body of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday, April 23, until his funeral on Saturday, April 26. The pontiff’s death, attributed to a cerebral stroke leading to a coma and irreversible heart failure, has set in motion a series of ancient rituals and preparations for a solemn farewell to the first Latin American pope. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the events surrounding Pope Francis’s passing, the schedule for his lying in state, funeral arrangements, and global reactions, with live updates as they unfold.
Pope Francis’s Passing and Initial Rites
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, died at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, a modest guesthouse within Vatican City where he chose to live during his 12-year papacy. The Vatican confirmed his death was caused by a stroke at approximately 5:30 AM on Monday, followed by a coma and heart failure. His personal healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, reported that Francis made a gesture of farewell before slipping into unconsciousness, expressing gratitude for his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, when he delivered a blessing and rode through St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile.

On Monday evening, the Vatican conducted the “rite of the ascertainment of death and deposition in the coffin” at the Casa Santa Marta chapel. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo (interim administrator of the Vatican), presided over the ceremony, which included prayers and the dressing of the pontiff’s body in red liturgical vestments, a white papal miter, and a pallium—a woolen strip symbolizing his role as an archbishop. A simple wooden coffin with a zinc lining, in line with Francis’s request for humility, was used, breaking from the tradition of nested cypress, lead, and oak coffins. The Vatican released images showing Francis holding a rosary, flanked by Swiss Guards, with a paschal candle lit nearby.

Lying in State: Schedule and Procession
The Vatican has outlined a detailed schedule for the public viewing of Pope Francis’s body, reflecting his desire for simplicity while adhering to centuries-old traditions. On Wednesday, April 23, at 9:00 AM local time (3:00 AM ET), a procession led by Cardinal Farrell will transfer the open coffin from Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica. The procession will pass through Piazza Santa Marta, Piazza dei Protomartiri Romani, and the Arch of the Bells before entering St. Peter’s Square and the basilica’s central door. At the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will preside over a Liturgy of the Word, after which public visitation will begin.

St. Peter’s Basilica will be open for mourners to pay their respects during the following hours:
Wednesday, April 23: 11:00 AM to midnight

Thursday, April 24: 7:00 AM to midnight

Friday, April 25: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

In keeping with Francis’s wishes, there will be no private viewing for cardinals, and his coffin will not be elevated on a pedestal, emphasizing accessibility and humility. The Vatican expects tens of thousands of pilgrims and tourists to flock to Rome, with security bolstered by over 1,000 police officers from across Italy to manage crowds and protect visiting world leaders.

Funeral Arrangements
Pope Francis’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM local time (4:00 AM ET) in St. Peter’s Square, in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the funeral Mass, which will be concelebrated by patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests from around the world. The liturgy will conclude with the Ultima Commendatio and Valedictio—final prayers entrusting the pope’s soul to God—delivered by Cardinal Re.

Following the Mass, the coffin will be taken inside St. Peter’s Basilica for a brief ceremony before being transported to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, approximately 4 kilometers from the Vatican, for burial. Francis’s choice of Santa Maria Maggiore breaks with tradition, as he will be the first pope in over a century not to be buried in the Vatican crypt. The basilica held special significance for Francis, who prayed there before and after every international trip and expressed devotion to its icon of Mary. In his will, Francis requested a simple tomb in the ground, inscribed only with “Franciscus,” without elaborate decoration. Work is underway to prepare the niche for his burial, with a wooden barrier already in place.

Global Mourning and Attendance
The death of Pope Francis has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes worldwide, with memorial Masses held in cathedrals from Buenos Aires to Amritsar. Italy has declared five days of national mourning from Tuesday to Saturday, with flags at half-staff and public events scaled back, though Liberation Day ceremonies on April 25 will proceed. Argentina, Francis’s homeland, has announced seven days of mourning, and soccer matches, a passion of the pope who supported the San Lorenzo club, were suspended on Monday.

Numerous world leaders and dignitaries have confirmed their attendance at the funeral, reflecting Francis’s global influence as a voice for the poor, migrants, and peace. Confirmed attendees include:
United States: President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump

Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska

Argentina: President Javier Milei

Brazil: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Janja Lula da Silva

France: President Emmanuel Macron

United Kingdom: Prince William, representing King Charles III

Spain: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia

Belgium: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde

European Union: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa

Ireland: Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend, citing an International Criminal Court warrant limiting his travel, and China’s government has not yet confirmed its representatives. The Vatican anticipates a significant turnout, with crowd estimates ranging from 50,000 (as seen at Pope Benedict XVI’s funeral in 2023) to 300,000 (for Pope John Paul II’s in 2005).

Legacy and the Path Forward
Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by humility, advocacy for the marginalized, and efforts to reform the Catholic Church’s administration while addressing issues like climate change, migration, and clergy abuse. His progressive stances often clashed with conservative factions, but he appointed nearly 80% of the cardinal electors, potentially shaping the direction of his successor. The conclave to elect the next pope is expected to begin between May 5 and May 6, 15 to 20 days after his death, with cardinals already gathering in Rome for daily meetings to plan the transition.

In Argentina, reactions are bittersweet, as Francis never returned to his homeland as pope, possibly to avoid entanglement in its polarized politics. Tributes from figures like footballer Lionel Messi, who called him a “distinguished Argentinian Pope,” highlight his cultural impact. Globally, leaders from Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun to Israel’s President Isaac Herzog have praised his calls for peace, while Hamas noted his opposition to the Gaza war.

Live Updates
9:00 PM WAT, April 22: Rosary prayers are being held in St. Peter’s Square to honor Pope Francis, starting at 7:30 PM local time. Mourners continue to gather, with many expressing personal connections to the pope’s message of compassion.

8:45 PM WAT, April 22: The Vatican confirms that security preparations are intensifying, with Italian authorities coordinating with Vatican police to ensure safety during the lying in state and funeral.

8:30 PM WAT, April 22: Reports indicate that pilgrims from as far as Nigeria and the Philippines are arriving in Rome, joining local Catholics in paying tribute. The Vatican’s website now displays “Apostolica Sedes Vacans” (Vacancy of the Holy See), signaling the interregnum period.

Conclusion
As the Catholic Church and the world mourn Pope Francis, the coming days will be a time of reflection, ritual, and transition. His body lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica offers millions a chance to bid farewell to a pontiff who championed simplicity and solidarity with the marginalized. The funeral on Saturday will not only mark the end of his earthly journey but also set the stage for the election of a new pope, with the eyes of 1.4 billion Catholics and beyond watching closely. Stay tuned for further updates as these historic events unfold.
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