Pope Francis: Farewell to a reformer, conclave to follow
The funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, 26th April. The solemn funeral Mass for the Bishop of Rome, Francis, will begin at 10:00 a.m. local time, as announced by the Vatican.
What do you need to know?
- Pope Francis passed away on Monday morning. He was 88 years old.
- On Tuesday, cardinals decided that the Pope's funeral will take place on Saturday, 26th April, at 10:00 a.m.
- On Wednesday, the coffin with the body of Holy Father Francis will be transferred from the chapel of the Saint Martha's House to the Vatican Basilica.
On Tuesday, the body of the deceased Pope was placed in a coffin in the chapel of Saint Martha's House, where he lived. From the early hours of the morning, Vatican employees, along with their families, were able to pray beside Francis' coffin.
"The body of the late Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday at 9:00 AM to lie in state until his funeral on Saturday morning at 10:00 AM," announced the master of papal liturgical ceremonies, Cardinal Diego Ravelli.
The funeral of the Pope who passed away on Monday will take place on the upcoming Saturday, 26th April.
A new pope will be elected
After the funeral, a conclave will begin to elect a new Pope. This process is conducted in strict secrecy, and the cardinal-electors will be secluded in the Sistine Chapel.
Pope Francis was the first Pope from South America. His pontificate was full of challenges and reforms that forever changed the Church. His final public appearance was on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, where he delivered the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
