World Gathers to Bid Farewell: Pope Francis’ Historic Funeral Ceremony Set for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Vatican City – Here’s How to Watch the Global Event in the U.S.
VATICAN CITY — The world will be watching as the funeral of Pope Francis is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time in Vatican City. As the Catholic Church and millions of faithful around the world mourn the passing of the beloved Pontiff, the Vatican has prepared a solemn and historic ceremony that will be broadcast globally, allowing those in the U.S. and beyond to pay their respects and witness the final farewell to one of the most influential religious figures of the 21st century.
Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church for over a decade, passed away at the age of 88 following a long and challenging battle with health issues. His death has left a profound impact on the global community, not just within the Catholic faith, but also among those who admired his advocacy for peace, compassion, and social justice. Pope Francis’ leadership was characterized by his open-hearted approach to the world’s poor, his interfaith dialogue, and his emphasis on environmental issues, making his funeral a moment of worldwide reflection.
The Ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica
The funeral mass will take place in the heart of the Vatican, in the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands are expected to gather. Heads of state, religious leaders from all over the world, and millions of Catholics will come together to honor Pope Francis’ legacy. The Vatican has also announced that, due to the scale of the event, special security and logistics measures will be in place to accommodate the influx of mourners.
The ceremony will be led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, and will feature traditional Catholic rituals, including the reading of prayers, hymns, and the final commendation of the Pope’s soul. Pope Francis will be buried according to the traditions of the Holy See, with his final resting place to be within the Vatican’s sacred grounds. It is expected that there will be moments of reflection on his most significant contributions, including his tireless work toward peace and reconciliation among world religions and nations.
How to Watch the Funeral in the U.S.
For those in the United States who wish to participate in the mourning and celebrate the life of Pope Francis, several broadcast and streaming options will be available. Here’s how you can watch the funeral service live:
EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network)
EWTN, a leading Catholic network, will provide live coverage of the entire funeral ceremony. As a global network with a focus on religious programming, EWTN is expected to offer comprehensive coverage, including pre- and post-funeral analysis, as well as interviews with prominent figures within the Church. Viewers can tune in on cable television or stream the event live through EWTN’s website or their app.
Vatican Media
Vatican Media will offer live-streaming of the funeral service in multiple languages, including English. The Vatican’s official media channels, available via their website and YouTube, will offer uninterrupted coverage of the proceedings. This platform will allow viewers to watch the mass in real time, along with any official statements made by Church officials.
Major News Networks
Several U.S. news networks, including CNN, MSNBC, and ABC, will broadcast the funeral live, with special coverage leading up to the ceremony. These networks will provide coverage of the event as well as interviews with prominent religious figures, public officials, and experts on the Catholic Church. Coverage is expected to begin earlier in the morning, with pre-funeral discussions and reflections on Pope Francis’ life and legacy.
Streaming Services
For those who prefer to watch the event online, popular streaming platforms such as YouTube, Hulu, and Sling TV will provide live broadcasts of the funeral. YouTube will host both the Vatican Media stream and coverage from major news outlets. These streaming services will allow viewers to access the funeral from the comfort of their homes, whether they are at work, at school, or on the go.
What to Expect During the Ceremony
The funeral of Pope Francis will be a deeply symbolic event, filled with solemn traditions. The service will feature a number of key rituals, including a reading of the Scriptures, prayers for the deceased, and a homily that reflects on the Pope’s leadership and teachings. The mass will be conducted in Latin, in keeping with Vatican tradition, and will include moments of silent prayer and reflection.
In keeping with the Pope’s personal devotion to simplicity and humility, the ceremony is expected to be dignified, yet unadorned. Pope Francis was known for his desire to keep the Church’s focus on the needs of the faithful, especially the marginalized, rather than on ceremonial extravagance.
The Role of the Cardinals: Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the ceremony. The Cardinals, who serve as the Pope’s closest advisors, will offer prayers and reflections during the mass, marking a pivotal moment in the life of the Church.
A Global Moment of Reflection
The death of Pope Francis marks the end of a remarkable era in the Catholic Church. As the world watches his funeral, the ceremony will not only serve as a moment of grief for Catholics but also as a celebration of the Pope’s extraordinary contributions to global peace and justice. Pope Francis’ papacy was marked by unprecedented outreach to the poor, marginalized communities, and his efforts to unite diverse religions and cultures in the pursuit of global harmony.
As millions tune in to honor the Pope’s life and legacy, the funeral will be a powerful reminder of the spiritual, cultural, and social impact he had throughout the world. Whether through television, online streaming, or in person at the Vatican, the funeral of Pope Francis will be a defining moment for believers and non-believers alike, as people come together in reverence to say farewell to a Pope who changed the course of history.
Final Thoughts
Pope Francis’ funeral will be a poignant and historic event, offering the world a moment to pause, reflect, and remember the life of a remarkable leader. As the faithful gather in the Vatican and millions more prepare to watch from their homes, the ceremony will be a testament to the Pope’s enduring influence and the powerful sense of unity that transcends borders, languages, and faiths. Those wishing to join in this moment of mourning and celebration of life will have no shortage of ways to participate, ensuring that the legacy of Pope Francis continues to resonate long after the funeral concludes.
In a time of global uncertainty, his funeral is a reminder of the importance of compassion, service, and faith, and it is sure to be remembered as one of the most significant moments in modern Church history.