BURSTThe funeral for the late Pope Francis, the first ever Latin American pontiff who died Monday at 88, will take place on Saturday.
Francis’ memorial procession will begin at 10 a.m. local time with the funeral liturgy being presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
The itinerary comes after the Argentinian pontiff died at Casa Santa Marta on Monday after dealing with health issues due to a chronic lung disease. The cause of death was revealed to be a stroke, which put him into a coma, according to the Vatican.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized," Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell said on Monday.
"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God,” Farrell added.
Francis was first admitted to the hospital on Feb. 14 for a bout of bronchitis. Four days later, he contracted pneumonia. The Vatican said he was in "critical condition” on Feb. 22.
His death comes after his health was seemingly improving and he met with Vice President Vance a day earlier.
Scores of world leaders are expected to attend Francis’ funeral on Saturday.
President Trump announced on Monday that he and First Lady Melania Trump will be going to Rome for the funeral.
“We look forward to being there!” Trump said in a Truth Social post.
The president also ordered flags in the U.S. to fly at half-staff in honor of the late Catholic leader's passing.
French President Emmanuel Macron will be in attendance, along with E.U. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Argentina’s President Javier Milei is also slated to attend the funeral in Rome.
The outpouring of condolences for Francis has also been vast.
Francis is the last pope to die in 20 years, since Pope John Paul II in 2005. Former Pope Benedict, who died in 2022, resigned in 2013, which led to the election of Francis. Now, the weighted process of finding a new pope will begin.