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Cardinals are set to convene a meeting on Tuesday in the Vatican to plan Pope Francis’ funeral with world leaders, including Donald Trump, due to attend the ceremony.
Pope Francis, 88, died following a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican has said.
In his final testament, the pontiff expressed his wish to be buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, and not at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican like many previous pontiffs.
The will specified that Francis wanted to be buried "in the ground, without particular decoration" but with the inscription of his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.
The pope was hospitalised for several weeks in February, after suffering from a bout of double pneumonia. He returned to the Vatican in mid-March to recover.
Pope Francis, originally from Argentina and the first pope from Latin America, led the 1.4 billion-member church since 2013.
Pope’s funeral set for Saturday
Cardinals meeting at the Vatican have confirmed the funeral will take place on Saturday 27 April at 9am (UK time).
This will also start the nine days of mourning.
Steffie Banatvala22 April 2025 09:16
Video shows Pope Francis' apartment sealed with red ribbon and wax
Steffie Banatvala22 April 2025 09:15
'Death is not the end but the start of something': Pope Francis
Italian outlets have shared unpublished work written by Pope Francis just before his death.
“Death is not the end but the start of something,” the pontiff wrote in the preface of a book by Cardinal Angelo Scola which is due to be published soon.
“It’s a new beginning, as the title (of the book, Waiting for a new beginning. Reflections on old age) wisely suggests because eternal life, which is something those who love life experience on Earth in their everyday occupations, is to start something that will never end.”
“And it is precisely for this reason that it is a 'new' beginning, because we will experience something that we have never fully experienced: eternity,” he added.
Steffie Banatvala22 April 2025 09:00
Photos show Pope in open coffin
The Vatican has released images of Pope Francis in his open coffin, adorned in a red robe with the papal mitre on his head and a rosary in his hand.
The images were captured in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, his residence at the Vatican.
Steffie Banatvala22 April 2025 08:45
Macron to attend Pope's funeral
French President Emmanuel Macron has said he will attend the Pope's funeral, according the local media.
Hundreds of thousands of worshippers and dozens of world leaders are also expected to attend.
The funeral date is expected to be announced today, as Cardinals meet this morning.
Steffie Banatvala22 April 2025 08:30
What can we expect from today's meeting among Cardinals?
Cardinals have begun arriving at the gate of Saint’Uffizio to make initial arrangements in preparation for Pope Francis's funeral, as well as the conclave to select his successor.
In this first summit, only the most urgent decisions will be made, such as:
- When the Pope's body will be moved to St Peter's Basilica to be exposed "for the homage of the faithful"
- The date and time of the funeral – according to the apostolic constitution, it should take place between “the fourth and sixth day after death”. That would put the date of the funeral between Friday 25 April and Sunday 27 April, with multiple Italian outlets reporting the service is likely to take place on the Saturday
- Where the 135 Cardinals travelling to the Vatican to take part in the conclave will be lodged – usually the House of St Martha
- Discuss funeral expenses and any preparations Francis had requested for his funeral
- When the conclave will be held where the next pope will be selected
Holly Evans22 April 2025 08:18
In pictures: Mourners gather outside the Vatican
Holly Evans22 April 2025 08:04
Pontiff’s final wishes and place of burial
The will specified the late pontiff wanted to be buried "in the ground, without particular decoration" but with the inscription of his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.
In his final testament, the pope expressed his wish to be buried in Rome, and not at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican like many previous pontiffs.
Read the full article here:
Holly Evans22 April 2025 07:46
Anonymous benefactor to pay for Pope Francis funeral
An anonymous benefactor will pay for the cost of Pope Francis’s funeral, the Vatican has said.
“The expenses for the preparation of my burial will be covered by the sum of the benefactor that I have arranged,” Francis’s will said.
Cardinals will meet on Tuesday morning for the first time since the Pope died to confirm the details of his funeral.
Those currently in Rome have been invited to meet at 8am BST (9am local time) to commence planning, according to the BBC.
Holly Evans22 April 2025 07:35
India declares 3 days of mourning
The Indian flag flew at half-staff on Tuesday at all government buildings as the country observed three days of mourning as a mark of the respect for Pope Francis.
The Indian flag will be flown half-staff on government buildings across the country for the next two days, as well as on the day of the pontiff's funeral, the Home Ministry said in a statement.
Holly Evans22 April 2025 07:29
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