Pope Francis Lies in State as Thousands Pay Final Respects Ahead of Funeral
Thousands gather at St. Peter's Basilica to mourn Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. His funeral is set for Saturday.
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Overview
Pope Francis, who died at age 88 on April 21 following a stroke, lies in state at St. Peter's Basilica, where thousands of mourners are paying their final respects. The public viewing started on Wednesday and will conclude on Friday evening, allowing ordinary Catholics to grieve their beloved pope. During the viewing, cardinals met to finalize the funeral details and prepare for the conclave to elect a successor, which is expected to begin after May 5. Francis’ funeral will take place in St. Peter's Square on Saturday, attended by global leaders like President Donald Trump.
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Analysis
- Pope Francis's body was transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state for public viewing until his funeral on Saturday, accommodating thousands of mourners. Cardinal Kevin Farrell presided over the procession from Casa Santa Marta to the basilica.
- The public viewing period allows ordinary Catholics to grieve the 88-year-old pope, who died following a stroke, with tens of thousands expected to pay their respects before the casket is closed and sealed.
- The funeral will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, with notable attendees like U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei.
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FAQ
Pope Francis died from a stroke followed by irreversible cardiac arrest, as officially registered by the Vatican.
Pope Francis's funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over Pope Francis's funeral Mass.
The papal conclave to elect Pope Francis's successor is expected to begin sometime between May 6 and May 12, 2025.
Pope Francis is lying in state at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, where thousands of mourners have come to pay their final respects.
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