Funeral of Pope Francis Scheduled for April 26. Iraqi MP Al-Sudani expresses support for Cardinal Louis Raphael I Sako as potential successor

VATICAN — The Vatican has officially announced that the funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square. The ceremony, which will begin at 10 a.m. local time, will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, in accordance with the Vatican’s traditions for papal funerals. 

The funeral will feature liturgical rites, including an Eucharistic celebration and the final commendation and farewell rituals. These rituals hold profound significance in the Catholic Church, symbolizing the farewell to the spiritual leader and entrusting him to divine care. Following the public ceremony, the pope’s remains will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica and later taken to Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome for burial. Dignitaries from across the globe are expected to attend, reflecting Pope Francis’s far-reaching influence as a spiritual leader and champion of humanitarian causes. 

During his papacy, Pope Francis was known for his advocacy for the marginalized, efforts in **interfaith dialogue, and his commitment to addressing global challenges such as poverty and climate change. His historic visits, including his trip to Iraq in 2021, exemplified his dedication to building bridges between communities and fostering peace in regions marked by conflict. His legacy resonates far beyond the Catholic Church, leaving a lasting impact on the global stage. 

In a related development, Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq, expressed his support for Cardinal Louis Raphael I Sako, patriarch of the Chaldean Church, as a potential successor to Pope Francis. In a Facebook post, Al-Sudani praised Cardinal Sako’s leadership and commitment to peace and tolerance, highlighting his international presence and role in promoting interfaith harmony. “We affirm our support for His Beatitude Cardinal Louis Raphael I Sako as the sole candidate from the Middle East to succeed His Holiness Pope Francis in the Vatican’s papal seat,” Al-Sudani stated. 

The funeral of Pope Francis is not only an occasion for mourning but also a celebration of a life devoted to compassion, service, and unity. His passing leaves a profound sense of loss across faiths and nations, with world leaders, religious figures, and communities gathering to pay their final respects.