Pope Francis – Requiescat in Pace

Pope Francis has died aged 88, the Vatican Press Office has confirmed. He served as the 265th successor of St Peter from his election on 13 March 2013 to 21 April 2025.

Vatican News to provide global coverage of funeral of Pope Francis

Saturday, 26 April, starting at 10:00 AM Rome time

Vatican News will provide live coverage of the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square, followed by the procession through the streets of Rome to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, offering broadcasts in 15 languages, including four sign languages.

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Leave a message, prayer, or short reflection as we celebrate Pope Francis' ministry and massive contribution to the Catholic Church as our 266th Pope.

Cardinal Nichols speaks about Pope Francis on BBC local radio stations

On the eve of the funeral of Pope Francis, Cardinal Vincent Nichols spoke to several BBC local and regional radio stations to discuss the legacy of the late pontiff and the shape of the days to come.

Linking up live from Rome, the Cardinal spoke to presenter Roberto Perrone, himself a Catholic, to share his experiences.

The five-minute discussion covered the great visual gestures of Pope Francis, his human heart, his connection with all people regardless of age or status, his huge contribution to the Church, and what we will see at the funeral on Saturday morning.

Cardinal: Pope Francis helped us understand that God’s forgiveness is a caress, not a decree

More than 90,000 people have passed by the simple wooden coffin on the main altar of St Peter’s Basilica holding the body of Pope Francis, to pray, smile, mourn and pay their respects ahead of the papal funeral on Saturday morning.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference, arrived in Rome on Tuesday having presided at a Requiem Mass on Easter Monday evening inside a packed Westminster Cathedral.

Pope Francis’ mortal remains carried to St Peter’s Basilica

The Rite of Translation of the body of Pope Francis took place in the Vatican on Wednesday morning (23 April), led by the College of Cardinals gathered in Rome following his death.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, began the liturgical rite in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta with a brief prayer for the soul of Pope Francis.

Pope Francis’ coffin to be sealed in rite on Friday evening

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside at the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin of the late Pope Francis, ahead of the papal funeral on Saturday (26 April) morning.

The liturgical rite will be attended by several Cardinals and Holy See officials, and will be broadcast across Vatican News’ channels.

What happens after the Pope dies?

The death of a Pope sets a chain of events in motion—traditions that mark the moments from the Pope’s passing and his funeral to the start of the conclave and the election of his successor.

But what actually goes on in the Vatican during this Sede Vacante or “Vacant See”?

Pope Francis - Parish Resources

Prayer card and liturgical resources to help parishes pray for Pope Francis.

Local news on the death of Pope Francis

In this page you can find news updates from the dioceses and statements from Bishops across England and Wales following the death of Pope Francis.

Pope Francis: Liturgies and commemorations

Arrangements in honour of Pope Francis in Catholic Churches near you. Data supplied by: catholicdirectory.org

Further news

In this section, you’ll find all our content relating to Pope Francis – the 266th successor of St Peter.