The Vatican has officially announced that the funeral of Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88, following complications from a stroke and a heart attack.
In preparation for the papal transition, cardinals are set to convene on Tuesday, April 22, to begin the process of electing a new pope within the next three weeks.
Argentina, the homeland of the pontiff, declared a week-long national mourning, while India announced three days of national mourning in honor of the late pope.
Heads of state and members of royal families from around the world are expected to attend the funeral, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who has confirmed his presence.
According to Catholic Church protocols, the funeral must take place between three to six days after the pope’s passing, typically between Friday and Sunday.
The pope’s body will be transferred from the Santa Marta chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, to allow the faithful to pay their final respects.
As specified in his final will, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome — a historical move, as it marks a rare instance of a pope being laid to rest outside the Vatican.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio, was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to become pope, and during his 12-year papacy, he championed the rights of the poor, migrants, and the environment.
He was also widely recognized for initiating reforms in Vatican governance and addressing issues of social justice and sexual abuse within the Church.