Will Pope Francis’ funeral be televised? Here are the key details confirmed by the Holy See
Pope Francis' funeral is set to take place on April 26 at 10 a.m. local time at St. Peter's Basilica, beginning the Novendials mourning period.
The Catholic community is grieving the loss of Pope Francis. The Vatican has initiated the "sede vacante" protocol, outlining the steps to be taken until a new pope is selected.
The Holy See confirmed details of the funerals for Pope Francis, it will be held at St. Peter's Basilica, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presiding. Here's everything you need to know.
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When is Pope Francis' funeral?
The Holy See confirmed that the Holy Funeral Mass for the Argentine pope will start at 10 p.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) on April 26. According to the official announcement, the funeral will be held at St. Peter's Basilica, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, presiding over the liturgy.
Will the Pope's funeral be televised?
Although the Vatican has not officially confirmed specific plans for broadcasting or livestreaming the funeral procession, reports suggest that major news networks will cover the event.
BBC will offer live coverage on its website, and NBC has confirmed it will broadcast the funeral, with a livestream available on NBC News NOW, the NBC app, Peacock, and YouTube.
Where will Francis be buried?
In his will, Francis gave simple instructions for his burial: "The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus".
Most popes are buried in Vatican City, but Pope Francis has chosen the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where seven past pontiffs are buried.
The basilica lies outside the Vatican walls, on the other side of Rome's River Tiber. After the funeral in the Vatican, Francis' body will be transported there to be interred.