Gladness Gideon
The Vatican has announced that the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT) in St Peter’s Square.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Vatican said the late pontiff’s coffin will be placed in front of St Peter’s Basilica for the funeral rites, which will be presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
Following the ceremony, the coffin will be taken into the basilica briefly before being transported to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where Pope Francis had requested to be buried. This marks a departure from tradition, as previous popes have been laid to rest beneath St Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, led the Catholic Church for over a decade, known for his humility, reformist spirit, and outspoken advocacy for the marginalized.
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His passing came just one day after he made a public appearance during Easter Sunday celebrations at the Vatican, despite ongoing health challenges.
Preparations are ongoing for what is expected to be a widely attended event, drawing world leaders, clergy, and millions of Catholics from across the globe to pay their final respects.
Further details about the funeral arrangements, security protocols, and public attendance guidelines are expected to be released by Vatican authorities in the coming days.