When Will Pope Francis' Funeral Take Place? What to Know About the Services So Far
The head of the Roman Catholic Church died at the age of 88, a day after making a special Easter appearance.
After 12 years as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis died in Rome at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025.
Born on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the pope died of a stroke and heart failure after recently recovering from double pneumonia and other respiratory health issues. His death occurred just hours after making his final public appearance at the Vatican on Easter Sunday. He’d written an Easter blessing for the mass that touched his hopes for the future.
“On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God!” he wrote in part.
Worshippers have already begun to pay tribute to Pope Francis across the globe and memorial masses are already underway. In the United States, President Donald Trump ordered that all federal and state flags be flown at half-mast. “He was a good man, worked hard, he loved the world, and it’s an honor to do that,” Trump said at a press conference. He also announced that he and First Lady Melania Trump will be attending the pope's funeral in Rome.
Following his death, Pope Francis’ life will be televised and honored in a traditional Catholic funeral. Read on for all the details that have been announced so far about when it will take place and how to watch.
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When is Pope Francis’ funeral?
The pope's funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. local time at St. Peter’s Square, located in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the Vatican announced. Pope Francis' body will lie in state St. Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday, April 23, until his funeral this weekend.
Following the funeral, the Vatican also confirmed that Pope Francis will be entombed at Basilica of St. Mary Major.
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How can you watch Pope Francis’ funeral?
As more details are announced, NBC News will be providing live updates on the pope's funeral. You can follow the updates here.
To watch NBC News on TV, simply find your local NBC channel to tune in. You can also stream NBC News' coverage via NBC News NOW on YouTube, the NBC app, and Peacock.
