Cardinals from around the world gathered Tuesday at the Vatican to begin preparations for Pope Francis’ funeral and burial, and to initiate plans for the conclave that will elect his successor. The somber meetings come a day after the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, who passed away Monday at the age of 88.
The Vatican confirmed that the pope died following a stroke that led to heart failure. He had been in recovery at his residence after a five-week hospital stay for pneumonia. His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, when he offered a blessing to the faithful from the popemobile in St. Peter’s Square — a poignant final image that mirrored his introduction to the world on March 13, 2013.
“His Easter blessing now stands as a farewell gesture — one filled with grace and humility,” said Cardinal Giovanni Bianchi, a member of the Congregation of Cardinals. “He chose to serve until his final breath.”
The cardinals met Tuesday morning in the Vatican’s synod hall. Among the most immediate tasks is scheduling the public viewing of Francis’ body, which is expected to begin as early as Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Images released by the Vatican show the late pope lying in a simple wooden casket, dressed in red vestments and his bishop’s miter, with the Vatican Secretary of State offering prayers over his body in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, the residence Francis called home.
Pope Francis’ funeral date
According to new norms set by Francis himself, his funeral and burial must take place between Friday and Sunday. The funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26 , 2025 at 11:00 local time at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican says.
In his final will, Francis requested to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, outside the Vatican walls. It is home to the Byzantine-style icon of the Virgin Mary — a sacred image dear to him. He famously visited the basilica before and after every international trip to pray and lay flowers before the icon.
“He always entrusted his journeys and his papacy to the Virgin,” said Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni. “That place was where his heart always returned.”
Francis’ death marks the end of a transformative 12-year papacy defined by humility, social justice and efforts to re-center the Church’s mission around service to the poor and marginalized.
As the Church now enters the traditional mourning period, preparations will also begin for the conclave — the secretive process by which the College of Cardinals will elect a new pope.
“The world mourns a shepherd of peace,” Cardinal Bianchi added. “And now, we must continue his work with courage and compassion.”
