From Wednesday, April 23 to Friday 25, at St. Peter’s Basilica, the faithful will be able to pay homage to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21.
The opening times are as follow:
On Wednesday, April 23, from 11.00 am to midnight, on Thursday, April 24, from 7.00 am to midnight, and on Friday, April 25 from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm.
On Saturday April 26, at 10.00 am, in the churchyard of St. Peter’s Basilica, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Re, with the participation of international Heads of State and delegations. After the Function, Pope Francis will be transferred to Santa Maria Maggiore, and, as per his wishes, buried in the Basilica. At least two hundred thousand people are expected for the funeral. Safeguarded by the civil protection, spectators will be able to watch the event on huge screens.
On Saturday, April 26, the Vatican and Castel Gandolfo Museums will be closed as a sign of mourning, and, starting from Monday, April 28, the Sistine Chapel will be also closed to the public due to the beginning of the Conclave. Visits to the Vatican Gardens and the Necropolis of Via Triumphalis are also suspended, whereas the first Jubilee of Adolescents will take place from April 25 to 27.
St. Peter’s Basilica