Monsignor Eamonn McLaughlin, a native of Downings, will attend Pope Francis’s burial today.
Msgr McLaughlin is one of the canons at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in central Rome where Pope Francis will be laid to rest.
Through his dedicated work, Msgr. McLaughlin had the privilege of numerous personal meetings with the Pontiff. His mother and brother also had the opportunity to meet him in Rome.
Francis will be the first pontiff in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican.
Pope Francis visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major more than 100 times during his 12-year papacy, and has chosen to be buried in a simple tomb, in a small niche, between the Pauline Chapel (Salus Populi Romani Chapel) and the Sforza Chapel. The Basilica lies two miles from the Vatican.
Msgr. McLaughlin is one of the Canons that will be present for the burial.
A group of 40 “poor and needy people” will be at the steps of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major to be among the last to pay their respects to him before his interment.
“The poor have a special place in God’s heart. So too in the heart and Magisterium of the Holy Father, who chose the name Francis to never forget them,” the Vatican said.
The late pontiff’s tomb at the basilica is marked only with the name “Franciscus” and a replica of the Pope’s pectoral cross.
The Funeral Mass for the late Roman Pontiff will be celebrated at 10.00am local time tomorrow, Saturday 26 April 2025, on the parvis of Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The funeral liturgy will be presided over by His Reverend Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
At the end of the Eucharistic Celebration, the Ultimo commendatio and Valedictio will take place. The coffin of the Roman Pontiff will be taken to Saint Peter’s Basilica, and from there to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major for burial.
RTÉ will air live coverage on television, radio and online of the funeral of Pope Francis, beginning at 8.30am on RTÉ One and RTE Player.
The funeral is due to be attended by heads of state and international leaders including President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and An Tánaiste Simon Harris.
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