Pope Francis’ funeral to be held in Vatican City on Saturday: Time and how to watch Pope’s funeral online |
The funeral of Pope Francis marks a pivotal moment in Catholic history, bringing together religious tradition, global leadership, and public devotion. Although Pope Francis had expressed a desire for a modest ceremony, his role as the spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics and a globally recognized head of state ensures the event remains deeply ceremonial. Held in the heart of Vatican City, the funeral is attended by dignitaries, royalty, clergy, and ordinary mourners from around the world. From the sequence of liturgical rites to the symbolic elements of his burial, this event reflects both centuries-old Vatican customs and the unique personal wishes of the late pontiff.
Pope Francis’ funeral ceremony schedule
Early morning preparations
According to The BBC, the funeral day begins with high-ranking members of the Catholic Church assembling across key locations in Vatican City:
- 08:30 CET (07:30 BST): Archbishops and bishops gather in the Constantine Wing adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica.
- 08:30 CET: Catholic priests begin assembling in St. Peter’s Square.
- 09:00 CET: Orthodox patriarchs and cardinals gather in Saint Sebastian Chapel, where the remains of Pope John Paul II lie.
This is followed by a solemn procession into St. Peter’s Square, where the Pope’s coffin—having lain in state for four days—is formally received.
The funeral mass
- 10:00 CET: The funeral service begins in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. It is led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
- Guests and global dignitaries are seated closest to the altar and coffin, while members of the clergy and general public fill St. Peter’s Square and surrounding areas.
The liturgy concludes with prayers and a final commendation—a sacred rite entrusting the Pope’s soul to God. This marks the beginning of the Novemdiales, a traditional nine-day mourning period, during which a memorial Mass is held daily.
How to watch Pope Francis’ funeral
Live broadcast information:
- BBC One (UK): Live coverage from 08:30 to 12:30 BST
- BBC News Channel
- BBC iPlayer: Streaming service for international viewers
- BBC World Service: Audio coverage available globally
Viewers can also follow updates through the BBC News app and website.
Pope Francis’ funeral attendees and global presence
The Vatican expects over 250,000 attendees, including 170 heads of state and government. According to The BBC, key confirmed attendees include:
- Prince William representing King Charles III
- President Donald Trump (USA)
- President Emmanuel Macron (France)
- King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia (Spain)
- President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil)
The presence of such dignitaries reflects Pope Francis’s wide-reaching influence as a religious and geopolitical figure.
Clerical dress codes and symbolism
Each tier of the clergy follows a distinct funeral dress code rooted in centuries-old liturgical symbolism:
Bishops and Archbishops:
- Alb: White tunic symbolizing purity
- Cincture: Traditional cord belt
- Amice: Linen cloth for the neck
- Red Chasuble: Cape worn in honor of the Pope
- White Mitre: Linen or silk headwear
Cardinals:
- Similar garments to bishops but distinguished by a cream-colored damask-patterned mitre.
Priests:
- Simpler tunics with a red stole worn across the shoulders.
Orthodox Patriarchs:
- Wear traditional Orthodox attire, including a sakkos, omophorion, and distinct mitres reflecting their denominations.
Procession route and burial site
After the ceremony, Pope Francis’s body will be transported to Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a church outside Vatican walls and a site of personal significance to the late Pope. The route passes several Roman landmarks, including the River Tiber and the Colosseum.
Significance of burial site
Francis is the first Pope since Leo XIII (d. 1903) to be buried outside the Vatican. His choice of Santa Maria Maggiore is a testament to his lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary. The basilica houses the revered icon Salus Populi Romani, often visited by Jesuits and Marian devotees worldwide.
Changes to traditional Papal burial
Traditionally, papal remains are interred in three coffins—cypress, lead, and oak—symbolizing mortality, security, and dignity. However, Pope Francis requested a simpler wooden coffin with a zinc interior, reflecting humility and simplicity. Monsignor Diego Ravelli, Vatican Master of Ceremonies, stated:
“This emphasizes the funeral as that of a shepherd and disciple of Christ, not a worldly power figure.”
Pope Francis’ final resting place
According to his 2022 will, Pope Francis requested to be buried near the Mary Regina Pacis statue in a side aisle of Santa Maria Maggiore, beside the Pauline and Sforza Chapels. His tomb will be in-ground, simply inscribed with “Franciscus,” the Latin version of his papal name.
