Vatican authorities have officially scheduled the funeral of Pope Francis for Saturday, April 26, following a high-level meeting held less than a day after his passing.
The late pontiff, who died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, will be laid to rest following ceremonies coordinated by the College of Cardinals.
Their first official gathering, known as the General Congregation, convened on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. local time (8 a.m. BST) under the leadership of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Deacon of the College.
As part of the funeral arrangements, Pope Francis’ remains will be moved from the Chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae to St. Peter’s Basilica, where his body will lie in state for three days. This will allow members of the public to offer their final respects.
The Vatican announced that the transfer to the basilica might occur as early as Wednesday morning.
The funeral mass itself is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. local time (9 a.m. BST) on Saturday, bringing an end to a historic papacy and marking a moment of mourning for Catholics around the world.