Vatican prepares for Pope Francis's farewell and cardinal congregation
The Vatican is preparing to announce the date of Pope Francis's funeral and the display of his coffin in St. Peter's Basilica. Decisions are expected to be finalised following Tuesday's congregation of cardinals.
Key information
- The Vatican will announce the date of Pope Francis's funeral after Tuesday's congregation of cardinals.
- The coffin containing the Pope's body will be displayed in St. Peter's Basilica.
- The funeral is to occur between Friday and Sunday.
Intense preparations for Pope Francis's funeral are underway at the Vatican. On Tuesday, cardinals are set to gather for a congregation to make decisions regarding the exhibition of the Pope's body in St. Peter's Basilica and to establish the date for the funeral.
Congregation of cardinals
The first general congregation of cardinals will occur on Tuesday at 8 a.m. in the Synod Hall. It will be attended by cardinals from the Roman Curia, Rome, Italy, and those who manage to arrive from other parts of the world. Key decisions about the next steps related to the vacancy in the Holy See will be made during this meeting.
Exhibition of the coffin and funeral
The coffin with Pope Francis's body will be moved to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday. The faithful will be able to pay their respects to the Pope for three days.
Pope Francis's will
In his will, Pope Francis expressed the wish to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. He desired a modest grave with the inscription "Franciscus." The cause of his death was due to a stroke, coma, and cardiological collapse.
After Pope Francis's funeral, the Vatican is preparing for the conclave, which, according to unofficial reports, is to be held between 5th and 10th May. Cardinals will discuss the challenges facing the Church and the election of a new pope.
