Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe.
The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, or nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of Pope Francis' soul.
The late Pope's body will then be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the coffin containing the Pope’s body will be carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica, so that the faithful may pay their respects.
The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, according to the Holy See Press Office.
The cardinals have taken their first decisions following the death of Francis.
Ordinary faithful will be able to pay their final respects starting when his casket is brought into St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday.
After the funeral, there are nine days of official mourning, known as the “novendiali.”
Francis died Monday at age 88 after suffering a stroke that put him in a coma and led his heart to fail.
He had been recovering in his apartment after being hospitalized for five weeks with pneumonia.
He made his last public appearance Sunday, delivering an Easter blessing and making what would be his final greeting to followers.
When a pope dies, a period known as the “sede vacante,” or the “vacant See,” is declared, giving everyone time to assemble. The conclave must begin 15-20 days after the “vacant See” declaration, although it can start sooner if the cardinals agree.
Once the conclave begins, cardinals vote in secret sessions in the Sistine Chapel to choose the next head of the Catholic Church.
