The funeral of Pope Francis will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square, and will be celebrated by the Dean of the College of Cardinals.


Following his passing, cardinals gathered at the Vatican to organize the funeral and burial arrangements, as well as to initiate preparations for the conclave that will elect his successor. The Catholic Church and global community continue to mourn the loss of the pontiff.


Public viewing of the late Pope will begin Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica, after a solemn procession carries his casket from the Vatican’s guesthouse where he resided.


In accordance with his final wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica—located outside the Vatican walls and home to his beloved icon of the Virgin Mary.


Pope Francis, who lived with chronic lung disease and had a portion of his lung removed in his youth, was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after a respiratory crisis escalated into double pneumonia. He remained there for 38 days, marking the longest hospital stay of his 12-year papacy.


The Pope passed away on Easter Monday, just one day after making a surprise appearance to bless thousands of worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Square.