In brief
The funeral service promises an outpouring of tributes and attendance from world leaders as Pope Francis's body lies in state.
Pope Francis's funeral is set for Saturday at 10:00 AM local time (08:00 GMT) in front of St Peter's Basilica, as confirmed by the Vatican. This schedule follows a meeting of cardinals in Vatican City to finalize arrangements after the Pope's passing on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Beginning Wednesday morning, mourners will have the opportunity to pay their respects, with the late pontiff's body displayed in an open casket at St Peter's Basilica. Prior to this, the funeral preparations will be underway, starting with a transfer of the Pope's body from the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he spent his papacy, in a procession that begins at 09:00 local time on Wednesday.A prayer led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the acting camerlengo, will precede the procession. This farewell will mark a unique event as, at Pope Francis's own request, there will be no private viewing for cardinals. His body will not be raised on a pedestal, marking a deviation from traditional practices.For the upcoming funeral service on Saturday, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will oversee the ceremony in St Peter's Square. Religious leaders from around the globe, including patriarchs, archbishops, and bishops, will participate in a solemn gathering, dressed in liturgical garments, ahead of the respectful send-off.Following the service, Pope Francis will be transported to St Mary Major basilica for burial, breaking tradition by choosing this location instead of the St Peter's crypt, making him the first pope not to be laid to rest there in over a century. Reinforcing his humble spirit, he requested a simple burial in a single wooden casket, a significant departure from the multi-coffin trend of previous popes.The funeral is anticipated to attract a vast audience, including heads of state and other dignitaries. Early confirmations of attendance include U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, symbolizing the global mourning for the leader who defined a papal era. Following the observance, a conclave will convene to select his successor, as per customary proceedings, with an expected timeframe of 15 to 20 days after the burial. Pope Francis's legacy thrives as the first Latin American pope, elected in 2013, who took daring steps to reform and modernize the Catholic Church.
