Pope Francis’ funeral set for Saturday; public viewing begins Wednesday

Pope Francis will be laid to rest Saturday, April 26, following a funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square. Public visitation begins Wednesday morning, when his body is brought to the basilica for the faithful to pay their respects.

The Vatican confirmed the timeline on Tuesday, setting into motion the rites that traditionally follow the death of a pope, Vatican News reported.

At 9 a.m. Wednesday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will lead the solemn procession from the chapel at Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica. The coffin will be carried through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs before passing through the Arch of the Bells and entering the basilica through its central doors. -- More...