Pope Francis to be buried Saturday, April 26, in Rome

Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday at 88 years old. His burial is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 AM. Italy declared five days of national mourning starting Tuesday, concluding on the day of the burial. The ceremony will occur outside St. Peter’s Basilica, led by priest Giovanni Battista Re, and the Pope will later be laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Leaders from around the world, including U.S. President Trump, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, and France’s President Macron, are expected to attend. Pope Francis requested a simple burial in a wooden coffin without special decoration. Known for his humble lifestyle, he chose to live in Casa Santa Marta instead of the Apostolic Palace. Pope Francis was the first South American Pope, born in Buenos Aires.