22.04.2025 15:13
The Vatican announced that the funeral of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and the Head of State of the Vatican, who passed away yesterday morning, will be held on Saturday, April 26. The body of Pope Francis will first be brought to St. Peter's Basilica and will then be transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, in accordance with his wishes.
A written statement from the Vatican stated, "A funeral ceremony for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26, the first day of the nine-day mourning period, at 10:00 AM local time (11:00 AM TRT) in the forecourt of St. Peter's Basilica. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the funeral service."
HIS LAST WISH WILL BE FULFILLED
The statement noted that the body of Pope Francis will first be taken inside St. Peter's Basilica and then transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, where the burial will take place. The Pope's last wish was to be buried there. It is expected that the funeral ceremony will be conducted simply, in accordance with Pope Francis's wishes and arrangements. Many world leaders are also expected to attend the ceremony.
THE FUNERAL IS EXPECTED TO BE OPEN FOR CONDOLENCES
Meanwhile, it is expected that the Pope's funeral will be open for condolences at St. Peter's Basilica tomorrow. On the other hand, the body of Pope Francis has been placed in the chapel of the Santa Marta Guesthouse, which he used as his residence. Vatican Secretary of State (Prime Minister) Cardinal Pietro Parolin was seen visiting the Pope's body and praying at his side.
HE WAS FIGHTING HEALTH ISSUES
Pope Francis was hospitalized on February 14 due to severe bronchitis and was treated for 38 days at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. He was discharged on March 23. It was noted that the Pope needed to remain in recovery for a two-month period after his discharge.
HE CHEATED DEATH TWICE
Prof. Sergio Alfieri, one of Pope Francis's doctors, stated in an interview with Corriere della Sera on March 25 that the Pope had cheated death twice during his hospital stay. Cardinal Joseph Farrell announced on the morning of April 21 that Pope Francis had passed away at 07:35 AM local time. The Vatican reported last night that the cause of Pope Francis's death was a stroke, entering a coma, and irreversible heart failure.