Pope Francis’s funeral will be held on Saturday at 8.00 am (GMT), the Vatican announced today, as it released the first images of him lying in state after his death on Monday. The funeral will take place at the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Photos released on Tuesday showed Pope Francis dressed in his vestments and laid in a wooden coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he lived during his 12-year papacy. Swiss Guards were seen standing on either side of the casket.
Cardinals determine the public viewing of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica to begin on Wednesday morning, reports AP.
The Vatican has invited all cardinals currently in Rome to gather at 9 am for discussions on funeral arrangements.
Amongst the world leaders expected to attend the funeral is US President Donald Trump, who clashed repeatedly with Pope Francis on immigration issues. Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, will also be present to honour the pope, who hailed from his country.
