The main funeral Mass for a pope typically lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours from the formal start of the liturgy to the conclusion of the ceremony in St. Peter’s Square.

In recent history:

  • The funeral Mass of Pope John Paul II on 8 April 2005 lasted about three hours , beginning at 10:00 local time in St. Peter’s Square.
  • The funeral liturgies for more recent popes follow a similar structure and timing: the Mass itself, including the homily, prayers, final commendation, and rites at the coffin, is scheduled as a multi‑hour event rather than a brief service.

So if you’re asking “how long was the pope’s funeral?” in terms of the liturgical ceremony on the day, you can think of it as roughly a three‑hour papal funeral Mass, with additional time before and after for processions, gathering of clergy and dignitaries, and subsequent burial rites.