WORLD LEADERS MOURN: Cardinals Gather at Vatican to Plan Pope Francis’ Funeral

The College of Cardinals has convened at the Vatican to plan the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. The funeral is expected to take place on Saturday, with leaders from around the world in attendance, including US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The cardinals will also review the day-to-day running of the Church in the period before a new pope is elected.

The conclave to choose a new pope is expected to take place between May 6 and May 20, with 135 cardinals eligible to participate. The cardinals will get to know each other during the General Congregations, where they will discuss the qualities needed for the next pope. Pope Francis’ successor will be chosen through a highly secretive ballot process that can stretch over several days.

In a break from tradition, Pope Francis had expressed his wish to be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major, rather than St. Peter’s Basilica. The Pope’s body was placed in a wooden coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he lived during his 12-year papacy. The Vatican has released photographs of the Pope’s body laid out in his vestments, with Swiss Guards standing on either side of the casket.