Pope Francis’s funeral to take place on Saturday, says Vatican
Posted on April 22, 2025
Vladimir Putin has decided not to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, which is scheduled for this Saturday in Rome. The first congregation of Cardinals met to discuss the funeral arrangements, with leaders from around the world expected to attend. Despite not attending, Putin paid tribute to the late Pope, acknowledging his positive attitude towards Russia and his contributions to the world. The Pope’s body will be moved to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday before the funeral on Saturday, with the coffin then being buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – JANUARY 16: Pope Francis waves to thousands of followers as he arrives at the Manila Cathedral on January 16, 2015 in Manila, Philippines. Pope Francis will visit venues across Leyte and Manila during his visit to the Philippines from January 15 – 19. The visit is expected to attract crowds in the millions as Filipino Catholics flock to catch a glimpse of the leader of the Catholic Church in the Philippines for the first time since 1995. The Pope will begin the tour in Manila, then travelling to Tacloban to visit areas devastated by Typhoon Haiyan before returning to Manila to hold a mass at Rizal Park. The Philippines is the only Catholic majority nation in Asia with around 90 percent of the population professing the faith. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)
