The Vatican has officially announced the details of Pope Francis’ funeral, following today’s meeting of the cardinals.

The funeral will take place on Saturday, April 27, at 10:00 a.m. (Italian time), marking the beginning of a nine-day mourning period. According to the latest Vatican statements, the funeral mass will be conducted outdoors, in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican has released pictures of Pope Francis in his open casket, lying in his apartments.

His casket will later be taken into St Peter's Basilica for public viewing.https://t.co/4h9kueeLR8

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The ceremony will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. At the end of the mass, Cardinal Re will deliver the final commendation – the last prayer formally entrusting the deceased Pope to God – after which the body will be transferred for burial at Santa Maria Maggiore.

According to Sky News, the conclave – the official process for electing the new Pope – will begin in May, following the completion of the mourning period.

The Vatican also confirmed that Pope Francis’ body will be moved tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing, which will continue until Friday. At this moment, his body lies in an open casket at the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he lived.

World Leaders to Pay Final Respects to the Pontiff

Even before the Vatican officially confirmed that the funeral would take place on Saturday, many world leaders had already expressed their intent to attend.

Just hours after the announcement of Pope Francis’ death, Argentinian President Javier Milei declared he would attend the ceremony to honor his fellow countryman.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump also confirmed he will travel to Rome, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump.

French President Emmanuel Macron will be present, as will Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is also expected to participate in the ceremony.

Dozens of heads of state, religious leaders, and hundreds of faithful from around the globe are expected to gather at St. Peter’s Basilica to bid a final farewell to the Pontiff.