Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square and will be led by the dean of the College of Cardinals. Cardinals convened at the Vatican to arrange the funeral and burial, plan the conclave to elect the next pope, and manage the Church’s affairs as both world leaders and everyday believers mourn his passing.
Key details:
• Public viewing: Starting Wednesday morning, the public will be able to pay their respects at St. Peter’s Basilica. His casket will be moved in a procession from the Vatican guesthouse where he resided.
• Burial site: In his will, Francis requested to be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica, located outside the Vatican and home to his beloved icon of the Virgin Mary.
• Choosing the next pope: Cardinals eligible to vote will gather in the Sistine Chapel for a conclave to elect a new pope. Although a date hasn’t been announced, current rules indicate it likely won’t begin before May 5.
