Pope Francis’s funeral: How to watch the ceremony and what to expect
Pope Francis’s funeral will take place on Saturday, with world leaders and millions of mourners expected to attend. Here's how, when, and where to watch.
Pope Francis’s funeral is a historic event, with millions of people around the world preparing to pay their final respects. The 88-year-old pontiff, who passed away on April 21, 2025, will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26.
Pope Francis' remains will remain at St. Peter's Basilica until his funeral on Saturday, April 26. Photo: Infobae
Here's everything you need to know about when and where to watch the ceremony, as well as the unique aspects of this papal farewell.
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When and Where is the Pope's funeral?
Pope Francis' funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET, 3 a.m. CT) in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
Pope Francis will be the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican. Photo: EFE
After the mass, there will be a procession to St. Mary Major Basilica, where Pope Francis will be buried, marking him as the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican. Breaking another Vatican tradition, he will be buried in a single wooden coffin instead of 3.
How to watch Pope Francis’ funeral
You can watch Pope Francis' funeral live via Vatican News’s official YouTube channel. Other major networks and streaming services will also be covering the event.
Pope Francis’s coffin was placed not on an elevated bier, but facing the pews. Photo: CNN
Networks streaming the funeral live
- NBC
- CBS
- ABC
- Peacock
Streaming platforms covering the funeral
- Disney+
- Hulu
- Paramount+
According to the Vatican, the service will be a traditional Catholic funeral, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, predominantly in Latin; though more simplified compared to other papal funerals, as per Pope Francis' request. However, the program includes prayers in many other languages such as: Portuguese, Polish, Chinese, Arabic; reflecting the Pope Francis and the Church's global influence.
What is 'The Novemdiales'?
The Novemdiales is the nine-day period of mourning after the funeral, where special masses will be held each day. After this mourning period, the College of Cardinals will elect the new pope in a conclave, between May 6 and May 11, as required by Vatican protocol.