Pope Francis' Funeral Scheduled For April 26

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis' funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26. The funeral will take place outdoors in front of St Peter's Basilica. The decision was taken following a meeting of cardinals in Rome on Tuesday. The Vatican has also released images of Pope Francis in an open coffin, dressed in a red robe with a rosary in his hand.

The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will lead the service. Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the world will also attend the service. World leaders are also expected to attend the funeral. US President Donald Trump said that would fly to Rome for the ceremony. Argentinian President Javier Milei, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are also expected to make an appearance, alongside hundreds of worshippers.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis said in his will that he wants to be laid to rest at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, in a simple, undecorated tomb with only the inscription “Franciscus". The Vatican released Pope Francis' will on Monday. "I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore," Pope Francis wrote in the will, dated June 29, 2022.