The funeral of Pope Francis will take place in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican on Saturday before he is buried at Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome. Here is the official programme of the ceremonies for the late pontiff, who died on Monday aged 88.
Who will lead the ceremony?
The funeral mass begins at 10 AM (0800 GMT). It will be presided over by Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. Francis’s wooden and zinc coffin, sealed on Friday evening, will be placed in front of the basilica before a temporary raised altar. To its left, facing St Peter’s, will sit the red-robed cardinals. To the right, official delegations from around the world, seated in alphabetical order.
After Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday, the Catholic Church’s cardinal electors, which is a group of about 135 cardinals under the age of 80, will begin the conclave in early to mid-May in the Sistine Chapel. Two-thirds majority is required to choose the next pope. While any baptised Catholic man can be elected, the role has gone to a cardinal for the past seven centuries.
Pietro Parolin, Nationality: Italian, Age: 70
Cardinal Pietro Parolin has served as Pope Francis’ secretary of state since 2014 and is widely seen as a top papal contender due to his high-ranking role in the Church. A seasoned diplomat, he played a central role in the Vatican’s controversial agreement with China on bishop appointments. He was involved, but not charged, in the failed London real estate investment that led to a major 2021 trial involving another cardinal and nine others.
Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, Nationality: Congolese, Age: 65
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, gained global attention for leading African bishops in unanimously rejecting Fiducia Supplicans, a 2023 Vatican declaration that included guidelines on blessing people in same-sex relationships. He has served as Archbishop of Kinshasa for seven years and was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis.
Peter Erdo, Nationality: Hungarian, Age: 72
Cardinal Peter Erdo, 72, the archbishop of Budapest and primate of Hungary, is a canon lawyer and the highest-ranking Catholic leader in a country that is 80% Christian. He was elected twice as head of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences in 2005 and 2011, and has earned the respect of European cardinals, the largest voting bloc in papal elections. In this role, Erdo developed ties with African cardinals through joint sessions with African bishops’ conferences.
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