Rome, Apr. 22, (dpa/GNA) – The burial of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, the Vatican announced on Tuesday, as the Church prepares to lay the late pope to rest and start the process of deciding on a new pontiff.
Before he died, Francis expressed his desire to be buried at the basilica, one of his favourite places, and not in the grander St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican as is customary for deceased popes.
Global leaders including US President Donald Trump – making the first foreign trip of his second term – confirmed on Tuesday that they would attend the funeral.
Francis’ body is currently lying in an open coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta guesthouse, his former residence, where cardinals, officials and employees of the Vatican are able to bid farewell to him.
The first pictures of Francis since his death were released by the Vatican on Tuesday, showing the open coffin placed in front of an altar where Francis often celebrated Mass.
The late pope is wearing a red robe and a white mitre. A rosary is wrapped around his hands, which are folded one over the other. Members of the Swiss Guard – a corps of Swiss soldiers responsible for the safety of the pope – stand guard to the right and left of the coffin.
According to a plan announced by cardinals on Tuesday, the body will be transferred to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, where the faithful will have the opportunity to pay their last respects until Friday evening.
A large church service in the Vatican will precede the burial at Saint Mary Major.
Global leaders set to attend
Leaders from across the world confirmed on Tuesday that they would attend the funeral on the weekend.
From the US, President Donald Trump and his wife Melania said they will attend. Top EU officials are also set to watch the burial at the basilica.
From Germany, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz plan to be present. After consulting with them, the incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, will not attend, a party spokesman said on Tuesday.
President Javier Milei is travelling to Rome from Argentina, Francis’ homeland. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to represent France while Prince William is to represent the British royal family.
One leader who will not be there is Russian President Vladimir Putin: A Kremlin spokesman quashed speculation that the Russian leader might make an appearance at the funeral despite an active international arrest warrant for him.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also attend the funeral, presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn told Ukrainian news agency RBK-Ukraine on Tuesday. Zelensky will travel to Rome together with his wife Olena, he said.
Observers say that the presence of dozens of heads of state and prime ministers can offer an opportunity for diplomatic activity on the sidelines of the funeral.
Spiritual leader
Francis, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years, died on Easter Monday at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) following a stroke and heart failure.
As spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the first pope from Latin America, the first Jesuit, and the first to be named after St Francis of Assisi, a medieval monk who lived in poverty.
Leaders from around the world paid tribute to Francis following his death, praising him for his humility and compassion.
In the coming weeks, the Church will hold a closed meeting of cardinals, called a conclave, at the Vatican in order to decide on who will be Francis’ successor.
It is expected to begin at the beginning of May, with 133 cardinals from around the world eligible to vote.
Italy in mourning
The Italian government on Tuesday declared a five-day period of national mourning following the death of Pope Francis.
Flags in front of public buildings are flying at half-mast.
Strict security measures are in place in the Italian capital ahead of the funeral services and burial on Saturday.
The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) has called for all sports events scheduled for Saturday in the country to be suspended because of the funeral for Pope Francis in Rome.
CONI president Giovanni Malago has asked for this measure to be taken after the government declared five days of national mourning.
Malago also asked for a minute of silence to be observed before all sports events during the week.
The three Serie A matches scheduled for Saturday have reportedly already been postponed: champions Inter Milan v Roma, capital club Lazio v Parma and Como v Genoa. The league is yet to confirm the postponement.
Polish President Andrzej Duda meanwhile declared that Saturday, the day of the funeral, would be a day of national mourning for Poles.
GNA
PDC