The Vatican has officially announced the schedule of the “Novemdiales” — nine consecutive days of mourning Masses — in honor of Pope Francis, beginning April 26, 2025.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the Novemdiales will kick off with the funeral Mass on April 26 and conclude on May 4. Each day’s Mass will be attended by different groups closely connected to the late pontiff, reflecting both the global reach of his ministry and the diversity of the Church.
The full schedule is as follows:
- April 26: Funeral Mass, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re (St. Peter’s Square, 10 a.m.)
- April 27: Mass for Vatican employees and teenagers celebrating the Jubilee of Teenagers, led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin (St. Peter’s Square, 10:30 a.m.)
- April 28: Mass for Catholics and clergy of Rome, led by Cardinal Baldassare Reina (St. Peter’s Basilica, 5 p.m.)
- April 29: Mass for papal basilica chapters, led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti (St. Peter’s Basilica, 5 p.m.)
- April 30: Mass for the papal chapel, presided by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri (Cardinals-only, St. Peter’s Basilica, 5 p.m.)
- May 1: Mass for the Roman Curia, led by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez (St. Peter’s Basilica, 5 p.m.)
- May 2: Mass for the Eastern Churches, presided by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti (St. Peter’s Basilica, 5 p.m.)
- May 3: Mass for religious orders and apostolic societies, presided by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime (St. Peter’s Basilica, 5 p.m.)
- May 4: Final Mass for the papal chapel, presided by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti (Cardinals-only, St. Peter’s Basilica, 5 p.m.)
The Vatican emphasized that while most celebrations are open to the public, the Masses on April 30 and May 4 are reserved exclusively for cardinals.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, the Diocese of Malolos will also observe Novemdiales Masses from April 26 to May 4 in mourning for the late pope.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, Easter Monday, due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure at the age of 88. As per his wishes stated in a will dated June 29, 2022, he will be laid to rest in a modest tomb inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore — a place he held dearly throughout his life.
The final funeral rites will take place on Saturday morning, April 26, at St. Peter’s Square.