(VOVWORLD) - Pope Francis' funeral will be held on Saturday in St. Peter's Square, Roman Catholic cardinals decided on Tuesday. The ceremony is expected to bring together leaders from around the world.
 The body of Pope Francis is placed in an open casket during the rite of the declaration of death in Santa Marta residence at the Vatican, April 21, 2025. (Photo: AP) |
US President Donald Trump said he and his wife would fly to Rome for the service. Among other heads of state set to attend were Javier Milei, president of Francis' native Argentina, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, according to a source in his office.
Francis, 88, died unexpectedly on Monday from a stroke and cardiac arrest, the Vatican said.
In a break from tradition, Francis confirmed in his final testament released on Monday that he wished to be buried in Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where many of his predecessors were laid to rest.