FAQs
- When is Pope Francis' funeral?
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The funeral and burial of a pope who dies in office should take place “between the fourth and sixth day after death." Pope Francis' body will lie in state in St. Peter's Basilica until Saturday, April 26. His funeral will take place at 10 a.m. local time (3 a.m. CT).
- How can I watch Pope Francis' funeral?
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You can watch the Holy Father's funeral on the Vatican News YouTube Channel or on the live feed from EWTN below. Many major news networks will also offer coverage of the funeral.
There will also be an Easter Mass in memory of Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26 at 10:30 a.m. CT at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels. The livestream of that Mass will be available on the Diocese of Gary YouTube channel.
- Where will Pope Francis be buried?
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Pope Francis requested that he be buried in a simple tomb in the ground at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, where he was known to visit before and after traveling internationally. At his request, it has been marked "Franciscus" and there is a replica of his pectoral cross depicting Jesus the Good Shepherd above the Holy Father's tomb.
- What happens after the funeral?
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After Pope Francis' funeral, the Church will enter into a period of nine days of mourning known as the novemdiales. During this time, cardinals will offer Masses of Suffrage for Pope Francis. The faithful are encouraged to continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis during this time.
- Are there any particular prayers to pray for Pope Francis?
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Traditionally an Our Father, Hail Mary, and a Glory Be are prayed for a deceased pope, as well as remembering him as an intention when praying the Holy Rosary.
Additionally, you may choose to pray a prayer like the following:
O God, faithful rewarder of souls, grant that your departed
servant Pope Francis,
whom you have made
successor of Peter
and shepherd of your Church,
may happily enjoy for ever
in your presence in heaven
the mysteries of our grace
and compassion,
which he faithfully
ministered on earth.Through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son, who lives and reigns
with you in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, God, for ever
and ever. Amen. - Who is in charge until there is a new pope?
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The Church is now in a time of sede vacante, meaning that the seat of the pope is vacant, or empty. There are some responsibilities that are given to the "camerlengo," which is currently U.S. Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, as well as some responsibilities given to the General Congregation of Cardinals, especially in preparing the papal funeral and making the necessary preparations for the upcoming conclave to elect the next pope. Most major decisions or official acts of the Church, such as canonizations and official appointments, are suspended until the next pope is named.
- When will the process of electing a new pope begin?
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The process of electing a pope is called a conclave and it will generally begin between 15 and 20 days after the pope's death, although it can begin sooner if all of the cardinals eligible to vote are present in Rome. Check back to the diocesan website for the most up-to-date information.