Ceremonial Arrangements

The cardinals gathered in the Vatican’s synod hall on Tuesday, setting the funeral service for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will officiate the ceremony.

Starting Wednesday, as his casket is brought into St. Peter’s Basilica, the faithful will be welcomed to honor the late pontiff.

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Monday due to complications from a stroke that led to a heart failure. He had recently been recuperating after an extended hospitalization for pneumonia and made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday.

A Lifelong Journey of Leadership

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi remarked on Francis’ dedication, stating, “He gave himself to the end,” emphasizing the Pope’s endeavor to reach out and bless everyone he encountered. Francis’ Easter appearance is seen as a poignant conclusion to his 12-year papacy, which prioritized serving the marginalized.

The first photographs of the Pope’s body, clad in traditional red vestments and his bishop’s miter, were released, showing him resting peacefully in the wooden casket, as the Vatican secretary of state offered prayers over him.

International Tributes

In the wake of his death, admiration for Pope Francis has streamed in from world leaders and ordinary citizens alike. U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei are anticipated guests at the funeral.

Bells tolled in solidarity across countries, including Italy and India, with flags at half-staff. In tribute to the Argentine icon of Catholicism and soccer fan, matches were canceled in his homeland.

“Like every Argentine, I think he was a rebel,” noted 23-year-old Catalina Favaro at a Buenos Aires church, recalling how Francis inspired many with his unique brand of leadership.

East Timor’s President Jose Ramos-Horta highlighted the Pope’s courage to advocate for peace against powerful forces, while Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu acknowledged Francis’ calls for justice and environmental protection.

Viewing Details and Pastoral Practices

The Apostolic Palace and Santa Marta hotel were officially sealed following Francis’ passing, a traditional practice initiated by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who confirmed the Pope’s death. Francis had opted for simpler accommodations away from the grandeur of the palace.

In line with recent changes he instituted, his body is placed in a single wooden coffin lined with zinc, a departure from the three-coffin practice of his predecessors. His coffin is expected to rest humbly during the viewing process in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Following the Funeral: Transitioning Leadership

The period of mourning, designated as “novendiali,” will extend for nine days post-funeral. During this time, cardinals will gather in Rome and engage in discussions before convening for a conclave to elect the next pope.

The conclave will take place within 15-20 days after the declaration of the “sede vacante”—the vacant papal seat. Voting will occur in the Sistine Chapel, with the results indicated by smoke signals, black for no pope elected and white announcing the selection of the new pontiff.

Should a cardinal achieve a two-thirds majority, his election will be publicly proclaimed with the iconic declaration of “Habemus Papam,” meaning “We have a pope.”