The Roman Catholic Church is mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday morning at the age of 88 after twelve years of guiding the Church with compassion and a profound dedication to inclusion and interfaith dialogue.
The Vatican has announced that a funeral service to honour his life and legacy will take place this Saturday. It is expected to draw significant global attention as leaders, dignitaries, and faithful followers gather to pay their respects.
When and Where Will the Funeral Be Held?
Pope Francis’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday, 26 April, beginning at 10 a.m. local time in Vatican City (4 a.m. Eastern Time). Depending on the weather conditions, the ceremony will either be held in St. Peter’s Square or moved inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
In preparation for the burial, the pope’s remains will be placed inside a cypress-wood coffin, which will then be enclosed within two additional coffins crafted from different types of wood, a tradition observed in previous papal funerals.
How to Watch Pope Francis’s Funeral from South Africa
Recognising the significance of the event, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) confirmed earlier today via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that it will broadcast the funeral live across its television, radio, and digital platforms.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) earlier today, SABC confirmed it would broadcast the pope’s funeral live on TV, radio and its online platforms.
South Africans can also follow the funeral service through the Vatican News channel on YouTube, which will be offering a live feed from Vatican City. For viewers seeking direct access, coverage can be found under “Pope Francis funeral: LIVE from Vatican City.”
Global Leaders Expected at the Funeral
As of Thursday, the Vatican press office reported that 130 foreign delegations have confirmed their attendance for Saturday’s ceremony. Among them are around 50 heads of state and 10 reigning sovereigns, highlighting the pope’s far-reaching impact on the world stage.
That number includes “approximately” 50 heads of state and 10 reigning sovereigns.
Among the distinguished guests expected are former United States President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Prince William. Current U.S. President Joe Biden, only the second Catholic to hold the office, and former First Lady Jill Biden will also be in attendance.
The funeral mass, formally known as the Missa poenitentialis, will also be attended by an assembly of cardinals, clergy members, representatives from international organisations, diplomats, and a large number of Catholic faithful from around the world.
International Delegations Paying Tribute
The scale of international representation at the funeral underlines Pope Francis’s influential role in global affairs. Leaders from various continents have confirmed their presence:
From the Americas:
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Argentina: President Javier Milei
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Brazil: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Janja
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Canada: Governor General Mary Simon and her husband, Whit Fraser
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Honduras: President Xiomara Castro
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United States: President Donald Trump, Melania Trump, former President Joe Biden, and Jill Biden
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United Nations: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
From Europe:
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Albania: President Bajram Begaj
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Austria: Chancellor Christian Stocker
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Belgium: King Philippe, Queen Mathilde, and Prime Minister Bart De Wever
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Bulgaria: Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov
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Croatia: President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic
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Czech Republic: Prime Minister Petr Fiala
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Denmark: Queen Mary
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Estonia: President Alar Karis
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European Union: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa
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Finland: President Alexander Stubb
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France: President Emmanuel Macron
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Germany: President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz (incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz will not attend)
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Greece: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Such a diverse array of attendees is a testament to Pope Francis’s dedication to bridging divides, fostering dialogue, and championing peace.
Burial Site for Pope Francis
Following the funeral mass, Pope Francis will be laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. This marks a significant historical moment, as he becomes the first pontiff in over five hundred years to be buried outside the Vatican.
After the funeral mass on Saturday, Francis will be buried outside the Vatican in St. Mary Major, a basilica in Rome. Francis will be the first pope in more than five centuries to be buried there.
This decision reflects his lifelong humility and his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, a key figure in his spiritual life.
Pope Francis’s passing represents not just the end of an era for the Roman Catholic Church but also for the global community he so tirelessly sought to unite. His humility, willingness to engage with people from all backgrounds, and efforts to modernise the Church will remain an enduring part of his legacy for generations to come.
