The Vatican has confirmed the death of Pope Francis and announced the beginning of the funeral protocol. Cardinal Farrell will preside tonight at the solemn rite of confirmation of the Pontiff’s death in the Chapel of the Domus Sanctæ Marthæ.

Vatican News

The Office for Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff has communicated that “following the notification of the death of the Roman Pontiff Francis, in accordance with the provisions of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (nn. 21-40), this evening, Monday, April 21, at 8:00 p.m., His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Kevin Joseph Cardinal Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside at the rite of the ascertainment of death and the placing of the body in the coffin.”

“Therefore,” the note adds, “the Most Eminent Dean of the College of Cardinals, the relatives of the Roman Pontiff, the Director and Vice Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, who are in the Chapel of the Domus Sanctæ Marthæ at 7:45 p.m., are requested to take part in the rite. The Ecclesiastics will wear the appropriate choral habit”.

Responding to questions from journalists, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, reported the following:

“The transfer of the body of the Holy Father to the Vatican Basilica for the homage of all the faithful could take place on Wednesday morning, April 23, 2025, according to the modalities that will be established and communicated tomorrow, after the first Congregation of Cardinals.”

Last update: 21/04/2025, 15:08 (Rome time)

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