Pope Francis's funeral is set to take place at 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT) in St. Peter's Square, following a gathering of cardinals who decided on the date amidst a flow of tributes after Pope Francis's passing on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Beginning Wednesday morning, mourners will have the opportunity to view the Pope's body in an open casket at St Peter's Basilica, following a procession from his residence. Cardinal Kevin Farrell will lead the proceedings, which include a public moment of prayer. In a departure from tradition, no private viewing will be held for cardinals at Pope Francis's request.
Pope Francis's Funeral Scheduled for Saturday in St. Peter's Square
Pope Francis's Funeral Scheduled for Saturday in St. Peter's Square
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis's funeral will be held on Saturday morning, as the world prepares to pay final respects to the late pontiff.
Attendance is expected to be significant, drawing global dignitaries and citizens to honor a pontiff renowned for his humility. The funeral culminates in a period of mourning and a subsequent conclave to elect his successor, following Francis's unique wishes regarding burial arrangements.
Pope Francis's body, currently at the Santa Marta residence, will be transferred to St Peter's Basilica in a procession scheduled for Wednesday at 09:00 local time, accompanied by prayers. The absence of private viewings for cardinals reflects the late Pope's approach to simplicity, a hallmark of his papacy, as he requested to be buried in a single wooden casket at St Mary Major, breaking tradition. The funeral service on Saturday will include various clerical leaders and dignitaries before concluding with the final commendation, marking the start of nine days of mourning. The gathering is likely to attract global attention, including high-profile attendees such as heads of state.
Following the funeral, the conclave of cardinals will convene to elect Francis's successor, a critical moment for the Catholic Church after his health challenges and sudden death from a stroke. Francis, who made history as the first Latin American pope, shaped the Church's modern approach during his decade-long tenure.
Pope Francis's body, currently at the Santa Marta residence, will be transferred to St Peter's Basilica in a procession scheduled for Wednesday at 09:00 local time, accompanied by prayers. The absence of private viewings for cardinals reflects the late Pope's approach to simplicity, a hallmark of his papacy, as he requested to be buried in a single wooden casket at St Mary Major, breaking tradition. The funeral service on Saturday will include various clerical leaders and dignitaries before concluding with the final commendation, marking the start of nine days of mourning. The gathering is likely to attract global attention, including high-profile attendees such as heads of state.
Following the funeral, the conclave of cardinals will convene to elect Francis's successor, a critical moment for the Catholic Church after his health challenges and sudden death from a stroke. Francis, who made history as the first Latin American pope, shaped the Church's modern approach during his decade-long tenure.
