APRIL 23, 2025|
Photo – Basilica of Saint Mary’s in Rome – Courtesy www.basilicasantamariamaggiore.va
The Vatican announced on Tuesday that funeral services for His Holiness Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 25.
In accordance with a Presidential Action, Governor Mark Gordon has ordered flags to remain at half-staff until sunset on Saturday, April 26, the date of interment.
The Governor shared the following statement: “I join Catholics around the world mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who lived a spiritual life exemplified by humility, compassion and service to all people.”
In Rome, an orchestrated series of funeral rituals has begun, many of which were simplified last year by Pope Francis. In keeping with his wishes that were written into last year’s reforms, the late pope will be buried outside the Vatican.
Francis said he wants to be buried not in St. Peter’s Basilica or its grottoes, where most popes are buried, but in the St. Mary Major Basilica across town. His choice reflects his veneration of the Virgin Mary.
After every journey to a foreign nation, Francis would visit the Basilica to pray before the Byzantine-style painting that features an image of Mary, draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus who in turn holds a jeweled golden book.
With the burial Saturday, the Catholic Church will begin nine days of official mourning, known as the “novemdiales” and the conclave will begin to elect a new pope.
