Pope Francis' Funeral Draws Thousands as Vatican Prepares for Nine Days of Mourning

Pope Francis' funeral is set for Saturday at 10:00 a.m. local time in Rome, drawing a crowd of over 200,000 mourners expected to pay their last respects to the late pontiff. The Vatican has seen a steady stream of visitors all week, with thousands gathering to honor the man who led the Catholic Church for more than a decade.

The funeral Mass will take place on the parvis of St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. The ceremony will feature the traditional Entrance Antiphon, followed by the Penitential Act and the Collect prayer, as the congregation collectively acknowledges their sins and seeks comfort.

Cardinal Battista will lead the First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, and the congregation will join in singing the well-known Psalm 23, "The Lord is my Shepherd." A Second Reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians will follow, before the Gospel is proclaimed and the Homily is delivered.

The Homily will offer reflections and prayers for Pope Francis, as well as for the congregation and all the faithful departed. The Communion Rite, including the recitation of the Our Father, will culminate with the consecration of the Body and Blood of Christ, inviting those present to receive Holy Communion.

During Communion, the haunting "Requiem Aeternam" chant will echo through the Basilica, followed by prayers, a final Commendation, and Farewell from Cardinal Battista. Prayers from both the Roman and Eastern Churches will be included, showing the global reach of Pope Francis’ legacy. The liturgy will close with the hymn "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" and the Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Pope Francis will be laid to rest in a wooden casket at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a site he often visited with flowers during his 12-year papacy—a touching detail that feels both humble and deeply personal for a man of his stature.

Following the funeral, the Vatican will commence the Novendiali, an ancient nine-day period of prayer and mourning. These Masses, while open to the public, are especially intended for Vatican staff and the faithful. Each day, Masses will be celebrated in memory of Pope Francis, marking a period of reflection and remembrance that has roots in traditions stretching back centuries.

With the eyes of the Catholic world—and beyond—on Rome, these coming days will be ones of both sorrow and celebration, as followers gather to honor the life and impact of Pope Francis. Even in death, his ability to bring people together remains undeniable.