Pope Francis died on Monday at age 88, capping a 12-year pontificate characterized by his concern for the poor and message of inclusion, but also some criticism from conservatives who sometimes felt alienated by his progressive bent.
Related Articles
Antisemitic incidents slow worldwide from post-Oct. 7 spike, but remain higher than before Gaza war
Israeli strike in Gaza kills 23 as Arab mediators seek long-term truce
EVs, tariffs in the spotlight as Chinese automakers take leading role at Shanghai auto show
A magnitude 6.2 quake shakes Istanbul and injures more than 230 people
Trump says Zelenskyy is prolonging war in Ukraine by resisting calls to cede Crimea to Russia
Thousands of people began filing through St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis on Wednesday at the start of three days of public viewing ahead of his funeral.
What time is Pope Francis’ funeral?
The funeral has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) in St. Peter’s Square and will be attended by leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Cardinals walk past the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state for three days, after it arrived in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
When is public viewing?
Francis’ casket is available for public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica. The basilica will be kept open until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday to allow the faithful to mourn. The public mourning period will end on Friday at 7 p.m. local time.
People queue in St. Peter’s Square to pay their respect to the late Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
What happens after the funeral?
Francis’ death and funeral will usher in a carefully orchestrated period of transition in the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church, with cardinals gathering over the coming days before entering a conclave, the secretive ritual voting in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.
There are 133 cardinals who are under 80 years old and eligible to vote, after two bowed out for health reasons, and the new pontiff will likely come from within their ranks. The conclave is not expected to begin before May 5.
Contributing: Associated Press
Leave a Reply