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Saint Peter's Square (Scott C49, 1967) 
Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Scott 919, 1993)</center>
 
The funeral plans for Pope Francis were announced on Tuesday morning by the Holy See Press Office.
 
This morning (Wednesday, April 23), the body of Pope Francis will be translated from the chapel at Casa Santa Marta, where the late pontiff lived and passed away on Monday, to Saint Peter’s Basilica. There, the body will lie in state for three days to allow for public viewing by an anticipated one million plus members of the faithful. The viewing period extends until his funeral, which will be held on the morning of Saturday, April 26, at 10 am (Rome time), in Saint Peter’s Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside at the Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from around the world. Many world leaders and heads of state are expected to attend the funeral, including US President Donald Trump.
 
Following the funeral, Pope Francis's body will then be taken to its final resting place at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. His tomb is reportedly located on the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel. The Pauline Chapel is the site of the painting of the Salus Populi Romani, the iconic depiction of the Blessed Mother, to whom Pope Francis was greatly devoted.
 
To see official press releases, an event calendar, and related documents pertaining to the death of Pope Francis, go to www.Vatican.va, the official website of the Holy See. A link is found in the References below.
 
REFERENCES: 
<li>VaticanNews.va, Devin Watkins, April 22, 2025, <a href='https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-funeral-saturday-novemdiales-lie-in-state.html'>Pope Francis’ body to lie in state until funeral on Saturday morning 
<li><a href='https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html'>The Holy See</a>
<li>Vatican Philatelic Society website, www.vaticanstamps.org, Stamp Database Search

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