The Vatican has confirmed that the funeral of Pope Francis will take place this Saturday at 10:00am local time (09:00 BST / 08:00 GMT), which stands at 11:00am Ugandan time , with a global wave of grief sweeping across the world.
Shocking yet moving images released by the Holy See show the late pontiff in an open coffin, clad in a red robe, papal mitre, and clutching a rosary , a final farewell to the faithful. The beloved Pope’s body will be transferred to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning for public viewing ahead of the burial.
A steady stream of mourners is already pouring into the Vatican. Thousands have been visiting St Peter’s Square over the last 24 hours and more are expected over the coming days as the Pope’s body lies in state at St Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday.
World leaders are racing to confirm their attendance. US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and EU boss Ursula von der Leyen are all expected. Argentine President Javier Milei, from the Pope’s homeland, confirmed plans to attend within hours of his death. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also be among the mourners.
Italy has declared five days of national mourning, to show just how monumental this loss is for the global Catholic community.
Pope Francis’s funeral will take place outdoors in front of St Peter’s Basilica. The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will lead the service.
The Pope will be formally entrusted to God, and the body moved to St Mary Major for the burial.
With the world watching, attention now turns to one burning question: Who will become the next Pope?
