Pope Francis left a lasting mark on the world during his time on Earth. His passing comes just one day after Easter, the day Christians celebrate Christ’s resurrection. According to the Vatican, the late pope offered his final prayer to the world that day. His message read, “Sisters and brothers, especially those of you experiencing pain and sorrow, your silent cry has been heard and your tears have been counted; not one of them has been lost! In the passion and death of Jesus, God has taken upon himself all the evil in this world and in his infinite mercy has defeated it. He has uprooted the diabolical pride that poisons the human heart and wreaks violence and corruption on every side. The Lamb of God is victorious! That is why, today, we can joyfully cry out: ‘Christ, my hope, has risen!'”
He added, “May the principle of humanity never fail to be the hallmark of our daily actions. In the face of the cruelty of conflicts that involve defenceless civilians and attack schools, hospitals and humanitarian workers, we cannot allow ourselves to forget that it is not targets that are struck, but persons, each possessed of a soul and human dignity.”
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the news, stating, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.”
With his passing just days ago, here is what to know about how and when Pope Francis will be laid to rest.
How Did Pope Francis Die?
According to the Vatican, he died from a cerebral stroke, which led to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
How Old Was Pope Francis?
He died at the age of 88.
When Is the Pope’s Funeral?
Pope Francis will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 4 a.m. EST (10 a.m. local time in Vatican City). He will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
How to Watch the Pope’s Funeral?
For cable viewers, the funeral will be broadcast on NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, and Peacock. For streaming, it will be available on Vatican News’ YouTube channel, The New York Times, Hulu, and Disney+.