Following the death of the Holy Father Pope Francis on 21 April 2025, the Holy See has published the following statement:
On Saturday 26 April 2025, at 10.00, first day of the Novendiali, on the parvis of Saint Peter’s Basilica, the funeral Mass of the Roman Pontiff Francis will be held, in accordance with the provisions of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (nos. 82-109).
The funeral liturgy will be presided over by His Reverend Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
The following may concelebrate:
- The Patriarchs and Cardinals, who are requested to be present by 8.30 at the Braccio di Costantino, bringing with them their white damask mitre;
- The Archbishops and Bishops, who are requested to be present by 8.30, directly in the sector reserved to them in Saint Peter’s Square, where they will put on the amice, surplice, cincture and red stole they will have brought with them.
At the end of the Eucharistic Celebration, the Ultimo commendatio and Valedictio will take place. The coffin of the Roman Pontiff will be taken to Saint Peter’s Basilica, and from there to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major for burial.
* * *
In accordance with the Motu Proprio “Pontificalis Domus”, the members of the Papal Chapel who wish to participate in the liturgical celebration without concelebrating should obtain the Notification, to be requested at [email protected]. They are all required to wear their own choral habit and to be present on the parvis of Saint Peter’s Basilica by 9.00, in order to be shown to their place by the pontifical masters of ceremonies.
By mandate of the College of Cardinals
The Bishops’ Communications Office in Maynooth has made available digital Books of Condolences for people to record their sympathy and these are available on the homepage of catholicbishops.ie, on the Irish bishops’ social media platforms of Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and on BlueSky.
ENDS
