„We are deeply saddened by the news of Pope Francis’ passing,” read an official statement issued by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the announcement of the death of the leader of the Catholic Church.
„The Holy Father united the hearts of millions with his kindness and left an indelible memory of his visit to Poland in 2016. We join with the entire community of the faithful in this difficult time. Requiescat in pace,” the message added.
Pope Francis to be laid to rest with modest ceremony in Rome
Pope Francis’s funeral has been scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, following a decision made by the College of Cardinals during their morning meeting.
The Mass will be celebrated in St. Peter’s Square by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. The Pope’s body is currently resting in the chapel of his residence at the Casa Santa Marta.
At 9 a.m. on Wednesday, the body will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica, where Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Roman Church, will preside over the Liturgy of the Word. Following the service, the public will be invited to pay their respects.
Honoring his own wishes, the late Pope will lie in a coffin rather than on a catafalque. In his will, released on Monday, Francis requested a modest burial, “like any Christian.” He will be interred in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major beneath a simple gravestone bearing the inscription “Franciscus.”
A handout photo made available by Vatican Media shows Cardinal Pietro Parolin next to Pope Francis' body during the Rite of the Confirmation of the Pontiff's Death at the Chapel of Santa Marta in Vatican City, 21 April 2025 (issued 22 April 2025). Pope Francis died on 21 April 2025 at the age of 88, according to the Holy See. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. On 17 December 1936, he was appointed leader of the Catholic Church on 13 March 2013, succeeding Pontiff Emeritus Benedict XVI. Photo: VATICAN MEDIA/PAP/EPA
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Source: IAR/X/@PolandMFA