The funeral for Pope Francis, who died Monday at 88, will take place Saturday.
The memorial procession for the the first ever Latin American pontiff will begin in Vatican City at 10 a.m. local time, with the funeral liturgy being presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re in St. Peter’s Square.
The Argentinian pontiff died at Casa Santa Marta on Monday after a series of 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 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 due to bronchitis. Four days later, he contracted pneumonia. The Vatican said he was in “critical condition” on Feb. 22.
His health was seemingly improving since the hospitalization, and he met with Vice President Vance a day prior to his death.
Scores of world leaders are expected to attend Francis’s funeral 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 wrote in a Truth Social post.
The president also ordered flags in the U.S. to fly at half-staff in honor of the Catholic leader.
French President Emmanuel Macron will be in attendance, along with European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Argentinian 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 first pope to die while serving as supreme pontiff in 20 years, since Pope John Paul II in 2005. Former Pope Benedict died in 2022 but had resigned in 2013, which led to the election of Francis. Now, the weighted process of finding a new pope will begin.