The funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, following his death at age 88.
The Vatican announced on Tuesday that the late pope’s body will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning to allow the public to pay their last respects.
A prayer session led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell will begin at 9 a.m. local time, followed by a procession through Santa Marta Square and into the basilica.
Pope Francis died from a stroke that caused heart failure, according to his death certificate. He had been facing several health challenges for a long time.
His funeral Mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who is the Dean of the College of Cardinals. After the Mass, his body will be taken to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial.
Cardinal Farrell, who is currently serving as acting head of the Vatican until a new pope is chosen, described Francis as a leader who stood for the poor and the forgotten.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and the marginalized,” Farrell said in a statement.
Meetings of the College of Cardinals have already begun at the Vatican. These meetings, known as general congregations, are being held daily as they prepare for the conclave — the process where they will choose the next pope.
In video footage shared by Reuters, cardinals dressed in black robes were seen arriving at the Paul VI Hall, welcomed by Swiss Guards in colorful uniforms. They received folders and gathered for prayer before starting the meeting.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first pope from Latin America and served as head of the Catholic Church since 2013. He was known for his humble lifestyle and focus on mercy, social justice, and reform within the Church.
