VATICAN — The Vatican announced that Pope Francis’ funeral will be held at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) this Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica. The pope passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke and heart failure.
His body will be transferred in a procession from his residence at Casa Santa Marta to the basilica on Wednesday. The Vatican released images showing Francis in a wooden coffin, dressed in red vestments with a rosary in his hands.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will preside over the funeral Mass, following the traditional phases of papal burial: preparation, public viewing, and entombment.
Dignitaries from around the world, including President Trump, President Zelensky, and Prince William, are expected to attend. Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a favorite place of prayer during his pontificate.
A papal conclave to elect his successor will begin 15 to 20 days after his death, with 135 eligible cardinals expected to vote.
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