Vatican prepares for Pope Francis’ funeral as his body lies in state

Pope Francis’ body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica starting Wednesday, allowing the faithful to pay their final respects ahead of a high-profile funeral on Saturday expected to draw global leaders including US President Donald Trump.

The 88-year-old pontiff died Monday of a stroke and cardiac arrest after a prolonged period of poor health.

His passing ends a 12-year papacy marked by reform efforts, environmental advocacy, and tension with Catholic traditionalists.

The late pope will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, per his wishes, rather than in the traditional tombs under St. Peter’s.

A grand procession featuring cardinals and Latin chants will accompany his body from his residence at the Vatican to the basilica.

Public viewing begins at 9 a.m. Wednesday and continues through Friday evening.

His funeral will be held outdoors in St. Peter’s Square at 10 a.m. Saturday, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

Among those attending are leaders from France, Germany, Britain, Ukraine, the European Union, and Francis’ native Argentina.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will also attend, honoring shared priorities between the UN and the pope on migration, climate change, and human dignity.

Cardinals have begun preliminary meetings to plan the conclave that will elect Francis’ successor.

The vote is not expected before May 6. Early frontrunners include Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines and Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy.

In the interim, Cardinal Kevin Farrell serves as camerlengo, overseeing the Vatican’s day-to-day affairs during the “sede vacante.”

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, last appeared publicly during Easter celebrations.

According to the Vatican, he passed peacefully after falling into a coma early Monday.