Shillong, April 22: The Vatican has officially confirmed that the funeral of Pope Francis will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM local time (09:00 BST, 08:00 GMT).
The pontiff passed away on Monday at the age of 88, sparking an outpouring of grief and tributes from Catholics and world leaders across the globe.
In a solemn gesture, the Vatican also released the first official images of the late Pope in an open coffin. He is seen dressed in a red liturgical robe, wearing the papal mitre and holding a rosary — a powerful symbol of his enduring faith and service.
On Wednesday morning, Pope Francis’s body will be moved to St Peter’s Basilica, where his casket will lie in state, allowing the faithful to pay their last respects before his burial.
From the streets of South Sudan to the cathedrals of Poland, from his homeland of Argentina to the churches of the Philippines, the Catholic world is united in mourning. Pope Francis, often called the “People’s Pope”, leaves behind a legacy of humility, compassion, and tireless advocacy for peace and justice.
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