Pope Francis’s funeral will be held in the Vatican on Saturday.
The public viewing will begin on Wednesday. The Vatican released images of the pope’s body in an open coffin, where it was placed on Monday night.
“The transfer of the body of the Holy Father to the Vatican Basilica for the homage of all the faithful could take place on Wednesday morning,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, read the declaration of death in a ceremony.
Francis died of a cerebral stroke that put him in a coma and led to irreversible heart failure on Monday at 7:35 a.m. at his residence, the Casa Santa Marta. His death was announced at 9:45 a.m.
The first signs of sudden illness appeared on Monday at 5:30 a.m., according to Vatican News.
Among his final words were a message of thanks to nurse Massimiliano Strappetti, his personal healthcare assistant since 2022.
“Thank you for bringing me back to the Square,” he said.
POPE FRANCIS, LEADER OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, DEAD AT 88
The pontiff insisted on keeping a busy schedule until the end, waving off concerns from his doctors. On Easter Sunday, he met with Vice President JD Vance, drove through St. Peter’s Square in an open car, gave blessings, and spoke to roughly 50,000 faithful gathered.
Medical experts told the Washington Examiner that Francis’s decision to adopt a busy schedule may have directly contributed to his death.
